For Us KC Area Guys - Fishing Reports 2024
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
I thought I would start this thread so we can help each other out. My hopes for this thread is that it will be ongoing.
After you go fishing, come in here and post your results ... good or bad. What worked, what didn't, lake conditions, etc. As much or as little detail as you would like. I figure that for those of us who can only get out one or two times a week, it could give us a good starting point. Like for instance, I can only usually go out during the week and others only usually go out during the weekend. So I know a lot of us fish the same lakes, so in theory we could have fishing reports for various lakes in the area that are a few days old.
senile1 reply :
I think that's a great idea, KU_B. I fished Smithville Lake after the tournament on Saturday. Water temperature was 77 degrees and stained. Wind was 10 - 15 mph, but closer to sundown, I found some still water in the coves. In the last two weeks Smithville's temperature has gone from 65 degrees to 77, so there is still some spawning going on. I could see bass in the shallows but it was very tough to get a bite. (I like to believe that was because of the Thursday night and Saturday tournament pressure and not my fishing skills. 8-)) I fished from the bank to 8 feet deep. I landed 3 bass from approximately 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The first bass was approximately 15 inches and on a watermelon black fleck senko t-rigged with no weight. The second was between 12 and 14 inches on a Rapala original floater. The last bass was over 5 lbs on my cheapo scale and just over 21 inches. I caught it on a pearl colored Zara Puppy. She was in 2 - 3 feet of water next to a stump. In the interim time periods between catching these fish, I tried different colored senkos and brushhogs, with no takers. The fish were grabbing the tail of my 5" senkos but they wouldn't commit.
basspro05 reply :
Also fished Smithville, Wednesday had 5 fish limit in about 3 hours all fish in the 15-17" range, carolina rigging points, thursday night tourney had 2 fish 4lbs 14 oz lost a 6 pounder at the boat, again carolina riggin points, had two saturday 4lbs 8oz lost over 5 fish due to light leaders, carolina rigging points, sunday 4 fish 9.64 lbs, caught fish in the trimble area flipping tree lines
senile1 reply :
BassPro05, I like reading your posts since we both fish Smithville. Since some of the bass at Smithville are still spawning I didn't try c-rigging this weekend, though I was only out for a couple of hours. Sounds like you had some luck with the c-rigs. Do you think these were post-spawn fish you were catching off of the points and were these secondary points you were fishing? The 5 lb'er I caught was in wood off a secondary point.
basspro05 reply :
Thanks Senile, these fish were definetely spawned out in the post spawn stage, these fish took a beating this weekend, during both of my tourneys there was a boat on every main lake point, thats why we went into rock creek to catch our fish sunday, much less pressure, the bigger fish i have been catching are coming on the secondary points and the smaller ones on the main lake points
senile1 reply :
Thanks, BassPro. I fished Camp Branch and a small cove in Crow Creek. I wanted to put in off of highway W and go up to Twin Coves but the ramps were so busy and there were so many boats up there I went to Camp Branch Marina. I'm surprised Rock Creek didn't catch more anglers.
basspro05 reply :
well we had two out of rock creek in about a half an hour and left, and there was about three boats in there which isn't that much for how big that creek is, it was hard to find a place on the main lake, plus the weekend boat traffic was bad, my friend won the MSTA tourney on sunday he had 5 that weighed 20lbs he stuck it out on the main lake and just waited for points to open up for him to fish
huskertko reply :
Well, I went out to Kill Creek on Saturday. Water temp was between 77 and 80, I caught about 12 fish, all but one were in submerged standing timber in 14-17 ft of water. The largest was 2# and the rest between 1 and 1 1/2#. The one exception was still in submerged timber but it was in about 10ft of water. Caught all of them on a Senko/Tiki stick except one on a red/white chatterbait.
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
I put my boat on a 20 acre watershed near Fredonia. We fished for 4 hours and had kind of tough time with it. We were on by 7:00 am and the lake was glass. I didn't even fire up the big engine it was just still. My buddy ran a spook and buzz and couldn't get a fish, I went right for the senko and had good success for about an hour, when the sun came up we couln't buy a bank fish. The water was crystal clear and couldn't find a bass on a bed, I did however see a lot of empty ones. We found the fish in 8 to 10 foot of water in the grass beds and did well on mini carolina rigs and ..you guessed it Senko's (or Senko style) baits.
NOTE: I missed a bunch, I mean a bunch of bites on the senko. I would get my worm back and only have half. My dumb butt didn't think to switch to a fry or something smaller with hopes of hooking those bites.
we left around 11 am with 19 bass in the well. We took them to another new pond and released. I don't know if watershed reports are worth posting. Most of the time, I cannot brag about skill like putting together patterns on large lakes like the above posts but there it is. Shooting fish in a barrel.
Going to Eureka tonight for a quickie.
Hydrilla
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
6-5-06 Eureak small watershed.
Fished last night from about 7:00 to 9:15 on a small watershed E of Eureka. My buddy threw a buzz or spook all night and caught about 20 little bass and one 2 lbr. I tried to throw the weightless Senko and I caught a couple but I couldn't turn down the topwater with my buddy 'Tuna Boating' Bass after Bass.
When it was over we caught nearly 40 Bass all but one under 1 lb. Almost all but about 5 on topwater. The owner of the lake really needs to let us cull that one. But he is very committed to C&R which isn't a bad thing.
Good luck to all.
Hydrilla
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
6/6/06 - Leavenwoth County State Fishing Lake
Put in about 5:30 am and fished to about 10:30. Between the two of us, we caught 14. Water temp was 73-76 and crystal clear.
I caught 6 on a black Horny Toad buzzed across the tops of grass mats (sparse) until the sun came out and then that bite disappeared. Caught a solid three pounder doing that. My buddy caught 6 on a 5" junebug Dinger all fished on the outside edges of the grass mats in about 5-8 ft of water. Then I caught another two on a 6" watermelon Dinger wacky rigged on the outside edges of the grass mats.
We were going to C-rig the main lake grassy points, but the T/M battery ran out of juice. (South wind was blowing pretty hard).
cgs2004 reply :
I fished Tuttle Creek this afternoon just to see if bass existed out there ;D I caught 1 nice 14"er pretty far south on the lake in a very clear water cove (for a muddy lake) on a blue fleck worm. Once I moved north and ran into murky water I had no luck. Some great looking stuff on the lake, I just need more time to find better spots.
Bonus- The big Gar are on the prowl and are hitting absolutly anything you throw in front of them, I landed my biggest fish of my life today with a 20+ lb. gar ;D ;D ;D
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
sweet CGS, good to see someone is fishing the puddle. The gar fishing sounds like it could detour the bass fishing for a day or two. 20lbs is fun to catch!
KCDave reply :
I fished the pond at Stoll Park last Saturday (june 3), and caught many channel cat which were around a pound or so. Not much in the way of bass, caught a couple small ones. Most of the fish caught were between 6-7:30 a.m.
I believe the lake is stocked with catfish, so not sure if bass fishing is ever really any good.
Thinking about checking out Cedar Lake or Gardener Lake this weekend. Will update after.
huskertko reply :
KC Dave, if you have any luck at Cedar please share. I have never had any luck there, I think that I have only caught 3-4 fish maybe and none bigger than 1 pound, however I talked to a wildlife biologist who says he has seen 5-7 pounders in there.
cgs2004 reply :
I'm right there with ya husker, I've had very little luck out there but have heard many good things about its bass.
whatnext reply :
My boss fishes Ceder lake most every weekend with very little bass action, just them saugeye (or however you spell it) and blue gill. :'( But he is a tried and true nightcrawler fisher. So take it how you want to, its just what i've been told.
KansasBassin reply :
Great topic KU...I will post reports from either Kill C or Gardner this weekend.
codogs reply :
This is a repost of mine from another thread. Thought I'd add my experience from Gardner last Saturday. Hopefully it'll help those of you considering fishing it.
6/3/06
I got on the water around 5:30am and fished until noon. Caught 8 in all, but nothing over 2 lbs. Most of the one's I caught were in 3-5 feet on a bleeding bait tube. I started the morning out with a top water frog but no takers.
Around 10:00am I started c-rigging a lizard on some deeper structure (10-20 feet). Although I did get quite a few hits, I couldn't get them to hook up.
Knowing now how the day went, I wish I would have spent more time fishing deeper structure. The one's I caught on a tube in 3-5 feet were dinks for the most part. I'd recommend getting off the banks and fishing c-rigs, deep-diver cranks (10-16 feet) and jig-head worms. Gardner Lake is seeing pressure like it hasn't seen in many years and the banks are getting pounded.
I'm undecided on where I'll go this weekend. I'm actually considering my taking my annual beat-down at Hillsdale. I'd like to fish the points and creek channels. If I don't go there, I'll probalby hit Lone Star or Osage.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
QuoteI'm undecided on where I'll go this weekend. I'm actually considering my taking my annual beat-down at Hillsdale.
I hear that. I usually hit it up one time a year as well. Never catch much if anything, but yet something tells me to go out there once evey year. So far I have stayed away. I think this year I might hit it up in the fall. Never fished it then.
I am either headed out to Kill Creek or Gardner in the morning. I will be sure to post results.
huskertko reply :
If I can get away from the house for a while, I am either going to head to Kill creek or Shawnee Mission on Saturday as well.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
6/8/06 - Kill Creek
It was a sore thumb day ........ actually two thumbs.
We put in around 6:00 and took out around 11:00 (only because of a stupid dentist appointment >
). Water temp ranged from 77 to 80.
I started the morning off throwing a chartreuse shad Sammy. Caught one on my very first cast. This is usually a sign of bad things to come, but not today. I worked the Sammy on the north side of the lake, near the swimming beach, around all the grass mats. Went to the south side of the lake and caught a few there was well on it. My buddy started out with a Pop-R, but was unsuccessful with that. I think they wanted a faster moving bait.
When the sun peaked up, I hit up the "leafy" grass on the south side of the lake near the grassy area where the bike trail ends. I threw a black Horny Toad and caught quite a few buzzing it over the top of the grass. My buddy threw a senko around that area, but had no takers.
After I got done fishing the leafy grass thoroughly, I switched up to a wacky-rigged senko and my buddy switched up to a T-rigged power worm (motor oil) with a 1/16 oz bullet sinker. We fished it on the outside edge of the tree line on the south side. He absolutely started tearing them up with the power worm, while I was only having a few hits with the wacky-rigged senko.
By the time we reached the grassy area on the south side again, I switched up to a YUM Wooly Hawg Tail on a Spot Remover jig head. I was still catching a few while my buddy continued to tear them up on the power worm. So ended up switching to a Zoom finesse worm (watermelon w/ red flakes) on the Spot remover and I started tearing them up as well. We continued fishing these set ups until we left. We were fishing them on the outside edges of the deeper grass mats (10-12 ft) on mainly the north side of the lake between the swimming beach and dam, but also in the very SW corner of the lake. I am pretty sure we could have caught bass all day long doing this.
Some Key Points: About 9 am the sun came out pretty good and I looked down and I could see a log that was in 13 ft of water. This was the clearest I had ever seen this lake. That prompted me to pick up my spinning reel with 6 lbs test and started making longer casts. I think that was key. It could also explain why the preferred my quicker moving Sammy opposed to my buddy's slower moving Pop-R.
So we caught huge numbers, probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 or so between the two of us. We caught several over 2 lbs, but maybe only a few that would have pushed three pounds. It was a great day and good for the ego as well. 
;D Kind of makes you feel like those bass aren't so tricky after all ........ until tomorrow
cgs2004 reply :
QuoteKind of makes you feel like those bass aren't so tricky after all ........ until tomorrow
LOL, exactly ;D
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
Great report KU, thanks.
basspro05 reply :
6-8-06- Smithville Lake report- Fished the Thursday night burtons tourney, again carolina rig is what i was using, we won the tourney had a 5 fish limit that weighed 12lbs good for 1st place, quite a few fish being brought in from spinnerbaits and jigs on rocky banks, i caught my fish on points biggest being 4.5 lbs and the rest being about 2 lbs, lots of fish being caught in both the main lake and the trimble area.
senile1 reply :
Congratulations on your win, BassPro.! Thanks for the info. I'm going to try to get out there this weekend.
basspro05 reply :
Thank you Senile, it was a blast, we have been so close so many times this year, then finally everything came together, if you go get up early, the topwater bite was just awesome, we just couldnt hook up with them, but we had probably 4 big explosions on spooks in about 15 minutes, id give that a try too
huskertko reply :
6/10/06- Kill Creek
It was a fairly short trip today, I started have stomach issues that made me get off the water. However, it was a pretty decent trip none the less. I was only on the water about an hour and a half, water temp was between 80-81 and fairly clear. Skies were mostly cloudy with a 5-10 mph breeze from the south.
I started off with a Ribbit Frog on topwater fishing it over a grass bed just out in front of the marina, I had a couple of blowups but not catches. Then i switched to an Ika and was pitching it under the fishing dock and had several bites but still no hook ups. So I decided to move off shore and moved out so the submerged standing timber, and caught a small one in about 13' of water. Then I started pitching it to isolated standing timber and that is when the fun began. Caught several on the Ika near the isolated standing timber with the two largest as 2 lb and 3lbs. The 3 lber is saddly my PB bass, since I have only been fishing again for a little over a year. Then the stomach cramps kicked in and forced me off the water.
Here are a couple of pics of the largest one, sorry for the quality, they are taken with a camera phone.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Ahhhhhh husker ........ a location would be nice. ;D ;D I assume Kill Creek. That 3 lber is a GODD quality fish out there. I've only seen maybe one bigger and that one being the unofficial lake record and the very first fish I ever caught out there .... just shy of 6 lbs. I noticed when I was out there earlier this week that the average size fish seemed to be getting closer to 2 lbs. I mean we only caught a couple of those fish where you wonder how the heck that tiny bass even got that lure in it's mouth. Unlike the past years when it seemed like every other fish was that way. Give that lake another 2 or 3 years and she should be putting out some nice quality bass. I just hope not too many people find out about it.
huskertko reply :
Sorry Yeah, Kill Creek. I had a date and location in the post, but had to do some cutting and pasting to get the pictures so I guess I cut that part, but forgot to paste it back. :-[
I agree, the fish do seem to be getting bigger, my last couple of times there the average was closer to 2 lbs. I remember even last year, throwing a hard jerkbait and the bait almost being bigger than the fish that I caught.
I hope so too that it stays somewhat of a secret, but the last few times out there, it seemed the boat "traffic" was getting heavier. Two weeks ago there were 5 or six boats on the water when I left, and for that size of lake, that is a lot.
KansasBassin reply :
6/11/06 Gardner Lake
Started early this morning at about 6am, about an hour after the thunderstorms stopped. We didn't have any rain the rest of the morning.
water temps about 77-78, stiff breeze for about the first two hours.
First cast I threw a modified storm jerkbait. I heated up the bill and bent it straight down, it stays right on top of the water, but has the darting action like a jerkbait. I have had a lot of luck with this bait already this year. The water was real choppy but I had to try topwater for a few casts.
Lost one on my first cast, wasn't really ready for it. Threw it all the way down the d**n with no other luck. Switched to a weightless yum, green pumpkin with a chartruse tail. I like to throw this bait with a swivel about 18" above the bait. Caught about 3 small fish on the north side of the lake heading towards the swimming beach. All the fish were in at least 10 feet of water, couldn't get anything shallow.
Made the decision to switch to the c-rig. Threw for about 30 minutes with no luck. Switched to a Manns Hard Nose craw, brown.
Found one spot in between two docks where the water dropped off to around 16 feet. Good action in this hole, we hooked up with about 5 fish the biggest being about 2.5, add in a couple walleye also. We caught all these fish right where the water went to about 10 feet.
Struggled the rest of the morning, and was off the water around 11am.
Strange day after the big thunderstorms last night. I read an another BR post how bad the fish have been pounded at Gardner, so catching the fish in a little deeper water wasn't a suprise. Not the greatest day on the water, but like every outing I hope to learn a little something and I think I did.
senile1 reply :
Smithville Lake (06/09/06)
I work in Gardner so I didn't get home until 6:00 pm. I made it to the lake by 7:00. I drove straight to the Trimble area, fishing the coves behind the trimble dam. There were alot of pleasure boaters out until I reached the trees. I caught three fish 15 - 18 inches long using a c-rig in 8 - 12 feet of water. I also caught a couple of 15s in the shallows just before sundown on a floating rapala, but was unable to get any bites on a spook. Lost a couple that looked decent in the shallows. They were swiping at the topwater baits but not hitting them full on. I fished a farm pond on Sunday but the owner only allows a few people so I guess a report on this is no good. Knocked 'em dead though.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Lone Star - 6-24-06
Man .... I was getting the shakes. It had been a whole two weeks almost since the last time I had been out in the boat.
Great day out at Lone Star. This was my first trip up there since school has been out. I put in around 5:00 am and the water temp was 79. It quickly rose above 80 and was around 82 when I left around noon.
I started off the morning throwing a Sammy and man were they wanting that thing. I had the most sucess with that throwing it over main lake points. Soon as the sun came up I picked up a senko and started pitching around grass around boat docks. They didn't seem to interested in that. By 8:00 there was quite a few boats on the water all hammering the bank so I decided to go find some deeper water. Good Move. I picked up a Zoom Trick Worm on a Spot Remover jig head and was casting into 10-15 ft of water on the outside of the grass line and around main lake points. I got hung up on a brush pile I "found" in about 18 ft of water and broke off. When I was directly over the brush pile I noticed that my depth finder showed fish on the outside edges of the pile. I decided to tie on a drop shot rig and started catching them real good off 3 brush piles I know about. I also caught the BIGGEST three pound bass I have ever caught. Sounds wierd .... ... the whole story is in the Outings Section under the Members Challenge Results with a pic, ;D
senile1 reply :
I wanted to go out fishing on Saturday before the rain came through but I had too many honey-dos. It rained two inches up at Smithville Lake, Saturday evening. The only time I had available Sunday to fish, was from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. The water was quite murky after the rain and the wind was gusting up to 35 mph on the lake. There were whitecaps everywhere. The Carolina rig has been good on points and channel ledges in 10 - 15 feet of water here, so I started with a Zellmander on a c-rig. I also thought that some noisy, flashy lures might be useful in the wind and the mud. Before I left, I tried a slow-rolled spinnerbait, a rat-l-trap, a weightless watermelon strike-king zero, a wacky-rigged senko, and a t-rigged black culprit. I caught only two dinks, one on the c-rig, and one on the rat-l-trap. I couldn't believe how windy it was. I had a heck of a time getting back to the boat launch from the cove I was fishing. The weather report had stated the wind would be 10 -20 mph, but I knew by the whitecaps that it was higher. When I reached home I checked the Smithville Lake conditions online and the report stated wind gusts were up to 35 mph.
codogs reply :
Cool vid KU.
Osage State Fishing Lake - Sunday 6/18/06 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
Went straight over to the dam after putting the boat in. Threw a Bandit 200 (Spring Crawfish Yellow) down the dam and they were hitting it like crazy. I caught 10 bass in the first 15 minutes, mostly dinks though but it was fun. Around vegetation I was getting them on wacky and t-rigged tiki sticks (wacky produced better). In all I wound up catching 20 over the course of the day. Not bad. I probably wasted too much time on it, but I tried like crazy to get the topwater going with sizmic and zoom frogs. I got 3 real good hits but they were just popping it. Letting it sit and sink didn't seem to entice them to come back.
Gardner - Saturday 6/25/06 (7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.)
Tried cranking the dam with Bandit 200's but no takers. Went to a Norman DD22 and couldn't get anything with it either. Finally got a decent one on a white spinnerbait w/ red trailer hook in about 8 feet of water toward the west end of the dam. Fished the spinner for a bit longer with no takers. Switched to a green pumpkin lizzard t-rigged with a 1/8 oz bullet weight. Caught a few on it. Switched up to a purple power worm t-rigged w/ 1/8 oz bullet weight and picked up a few more. Mainly fished the lizzards and worms off the banks in about 12-15 feet of water. In all I caught 5 bass (and 5 feisty bluegill).
Next weekend I'll be at Taneycomo doing a little trout fishing.
cgs2004 reply :
Fished Milford today and the lake turned over last night > so of course fishing was slow, 1 nice largemouth on a topwater. The lake is just covered with alge stuff right now and the water visabilty is horrible, we need a nice breeze and a few days, then the fishing should pick up again.
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
cgs2004 - great info, that stuff is invaluable, especially before a big weekend! Thanks bro!
senile1 reply :
Friday, July 7th:
I fished Smithville Lake from around 5:00 pm to sundown. Water temperature was 81 degrees. I started with a c-rig and caught three fish c-rigging points and secondary points in Rock Creek. Only one of these exceeded 15 inches. Depths varied from 12 to 18 feet. Switched to a white jig with Zoom trailer punching the lilly pads but had no bites. After 8:30 pm, I switched to an original Zara Spook, green back with chartreuse belly and fished it in the wood and lay-downs and lilly pads. I caught four more bass, three of which were over 15 inches. One of these was just shy of 20 inches.
Sunday morning, July 9th at Smithville Lake:
I was completely and utterly skunked. (Well, I caught one bluegill.) I went back to Rock Creek again and the water temperature had dropped to 78 degrees. It rained last night but I didn't think the front had passed yet. It appears it rained enough to cool it off a little. I threw everything I had, fishing from 6:30 until 11:15 am.
huskertko reply :
Sunday July 10th----Cedar Lake, Olathe
I don't know what the water temp was as I was fishing from the bank, but the water was stained and air tmep was in the upper 80's with 100% humidity, it was raining. I was only there for about an hour, throwing a chart/white chatterbait along the shore and near laydowns.
I caught one fish but she was a beauty. The strike felt like I was caught in grass, so I ripped it way and it still stayed very mushy, then started to swim away. It never really put up any fight or struggle so I figured it was a small dink, but when she surfaced near the shore, I learned that was not the case. She went for at least 4lbs, my scale was acting funny, but i could fit my entire fist in her mouth.
YFZKC reply :
Yeah I used to post on here, been forever since I've have a decent day of fishing. :'(
August 19th
Spring Hill Lake- 6:00 Pm or so.
Caught 6 fish, a dink, a 1lb'r, a 2, a 3.2, a 3.10, and a 4.2 according to my Dad's digital scale. I thought for sure they were alot bigger, but dont we all. : I have some pics to develop, then I'll post them up.
I caught the 3.2, and the 3.10 in the same exact spot under a fallen fence post in about 8ft. of water on back to back casts. Both got caught in the same fallen tree and I had to wade out in about 4ft of water to get them, that was kind of fun I caught the 4.2 about 15ft off the bank by a tree, in about 6ft of water, all on a 4 inch dark green tailess type worm, one that comes in the cheap $5 kits. ;D My Dad on the other hand didnt catch any.
Funny story:
Back around the 4th of July me and Whatnext hit Baldwin spring creek, the water was muddy and we werent catching nothin, Whatnext thru on a 3inch pink buble gum colored worm and I said you're not gonna catch crap with that, he pulled out this nice 3lb'r or so on his first cast, 
I think we caught 2 other little dinks the rest of thd day. good times.
KansasBassin reply :
It is the right time of year so I thought I would bump this thread.
I have been doing some construction around the house so I haven't been out this year. Anybody know how the local waters are doing?
I heard the fish have spawned and backed off at Bone Creek. Anyone know about Gardner, Kill Creek, Lonestar?
KU, how's the fishing been?
ring fry reply :
You KC area guys, don't waste your time making that long drive down to Bone Creek. There are no fish in that lake, besides the four miles of gravel road you have to drive to get to the ramp will ding up your trailers and your Hummers.
huskertko reply :
I just got back from Kill Creek and there are some males on the bed, but haven't seen any big females yet. Water temp is in the upper 50's low 60s so it should be soon for the girls to move up.
ring fry reply :
husker, I are stoopid. Where is Kill Creek?
huskertko reply :
it is south of K10 between Lenexa and Lawrence. You take the Kill Creek Pkwy exit off of k10, go south until you can't go any farther. Then take a right until you can't go any farther (without being in someones driveway), take a left and the park entrance is on the right.
KansasBassin reply :
huskertko that is great news, I was hoping I didn't miss the good action. Did you catch any today out there....thought it might be good before we got this rain.
huskertko reply :
I caught two decent ones, had a lot of bits but didn't get them hooked up. The two that I caught were on a white/chart rattle trap.
TopekaFishin reply :
My son fished in a Jr. bass tournament yesterday at Kill Creek and it was pretty slow - albeit this was all from the bank.
We had about 8 fish caught out of about 20 kids in five hours. My son was able to take a 13.5 and 15 incher( ad has to brag - that was enough to win the tourney) with plastic worms. Talked to others at the Lake and everyone seemed to be having the same luck with bass and crappie.
Hellbilly reply :
Howdy everyone new to the site. Has anyone had any luck at Smithville lately? Gonna go tomorrow. I went to the catch and release ponds up here in Lathrop (Hartell Conservation Area) last Saturday and didn't catch a thing. Must have been because of the storms coming in. Catch you all on the flip side.
twors reply :
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/may/17/county_close_lake_weed_treatment/
:-/
ring fry reply :
I wonder if the county talked to either Ned (who has forgotten more about fishing than the rest of us will ever know) or Sanders (fish biologists) about the adverse affects of spraying out the vegetation. I haven't fished the lake for 5 years, but I would really hate to see them screw it up.
basspro05 reply :
About that pond weed, the same company that dredged lonestar lake out a few years ago came and dredged a private lake that i fish in Mclouth, KS out 3 years ago, well the curly leaf pond weed has taken over 60 of the 100 acres on the lake. They were talking about spraying this lake, which if it has any affect on fish would be devistating to me, because this lake has the healthiest fish population i have ever seen in the midwest, sounds to me like the dredging company dragged this weed from lonestar into our little lake.
twors reply :
Anyone have any luck at Lone Star so far this spring. I've been hitting that lake weekly for the last two months with poor results at best. Got fed up with it all and tried Leavenworth yesterday....water much cleaner than Lone Star and they have FISH in that lake to boot! Caught a easy dozen + fish on a shad colored spinnerbait, some dinks and a few good fighters. Going back sometime over the weekend I think providing the weather holds.
jayhawkfishin reply :
caught about 12 pounds on best 5 at lone star on friday.
bassassinator reply :
I am trying to learn Smithville Lake and am learning where some of the quality fish are but still struggle. My personal best was a fat 18"er yesterday c-rigging a brush hog off a main point ( I think) but what exactly is a "secondary point"? and where is all the grass at on that lake?
All help is greatly appreciated!
:
basspro05 reply :
When going to smithville you cant really plan on catching huge numbers of fish very often, its highly pressured. You are doing the right thing by carolina rigging the main lake points. The grass is all over the main lake and on most of those points, because the water is up the milfoil hasnt topped out yet, the heaviest concentrations of grass right now are on the camp branch side of the main lake.
bassassinator reply :
Thank you!
I will be there again this afternoon and plan on spending time investigating points on the graph. I will go up by Camp Branch to check those too.
What is a secondary point? :-[
basspro05 reply :
i consider a secondary point the first point in a cut that is not on the main body of water, the bite on the main lake points has been dwindling because of the increased pressure, its about that time a year again when those fish start biting on the trees in the trimble and camp branch area, the main lake bite has gone down hill from pressure
senile1 reply :
QuoteI am trying to learn Smithville Lake and am learning where some of the quality fish are but still struggle. My personal best was a fat 18"er yesterday c-rigging a brush hog off a main point ( I think) but what exactly is a "secondary point"? and where is all the grass at on that lake?All help is greatly appreciated!
:
I've been fishing Smithville for a few years now and, as Basspro05 states, don't expect a lot of numbers. It can be a tough lake to fish.
bassassinator reply :
Thanks guys for all the input. I have learned form you and that is why I come here.
bassassinator reply :
I think I have come to the conclusion that this lake is not a good place to take a friend who wants to catch fish, rather take a friend water skiing! That is much more productive.
;D
basspro05 reply :
Yeah sorry, you finally figured it out, the only time I fish that lake is during tournaments, I have been on that lake probably 30 times this year, 27 of those times I was fishing a tournament. The other three I was making sure my boat ran ok, it is not the best lake to go fun fishing on lol.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteWell, I went out to Kill Creek on Saturday. Water temp was between 77 and 80, I caught about 12 fish, all but one were in submerged standing timber in 14-17 ft of water. The largest was 2# and the rest between 1 and 1 1/2#. The one exception was still in submerged timber but it was in about 10ft of water. Caught all of them on a Senko/Tiki stick except one on a red/white chatterbait.
how was the grass out there? last year it was very hard to fish.
skunked_again reply :
last night i went to olathe lake. id have a better chance catching bass out of my toilet. tomorrow i plan on cedar lake park.
twors reply :
Hey guys...I ordered a pair of D-Barb "The Fish Medic" cutters last weekend and by mistake I was sent ( and billed for) two pair. Just wanted to offer them to anyone close by before going the though the trouble of sending the extra pair back. The cutters are $22 and I have a extra set of blades for $4....I'll eat the shipping. Thanks !
Garry Lowrance
Lawrence, KS
785-331-8795
..used these cutters and saved a 4lb 4oz LM at Lone Star today. I would of surely bloodied up the fish without cutting the barb off by the way it was hooked....money well spent!
huskertko reply :
Quotelast night i went to olathe lake. id have a better chance catching bass out of my toilet. tomorrow i plan on cedar lake park.
How did the trip to Cedar Lake go? I have had very little success out there myself meaning catching very few fish, although the ones I have caught have been quality fish, 2-5lbs. I had someone with KWP tell me that they have shocked several fish over 8lb out ther, but I always find the water is like fishing in chocolate milk.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuotelast night i went to olathe lake. id have a better chance catching bass out of my toilet. tomorrow i plan on cedar lake park.How did the trip to Cedar Lake go? I have had very little success out there myself meaning catching very few fish, although the ones I have caught have been quality fish, 2-5lbs. I had someone with KWP tell me that they have shocked several fish over 8lb out ther, but I always find the water is like fishing in chocolate milk.
the fishing out there is really odd......tuesday i went out there and caught many smaller bass and a large amount of brem while bass fishing. tonight i caught 3 bass, all of them over 18" . i had another fish on that due me breaking rule #1 broke my line on the hook set. all fish caught on a shakey head jig and a pumpkin 5" zoom trick worm and a DT - 6 crank bait.
skunked_again reply :
does anyone have any tips for Perry Lake? ive been fishing the grass early and late and the humps in the water mid-day and not doing very well. any tips would be great.
dumb_dog11 reply :
Dont know if this will help you guys but yesterday i fished a small neighborhood pond from about 7:45 to 9 (my parents have restrictions on fishing time; no more than two hours) We caught 3 bass in that time. My friend caught the first bass on a dark green scum frog while I worked a BPS Tornado spinnerbait and only caught a 2lb catfish, so I swithed over to my BPS ETI Orion Crankbait in a yellow color with a blueback at about 8:45, right away I had to takers. They weren't big(11.5-13inches) but it was a fun day.
twors reply :
Gonna bring this thread to the top....went night fishing at Lonestar last night. Bite was good I think, fished from 1 till 6 am and caught 22 bass along with three bonus channel cat that I wasn't looking for. Big bass was 3lb 7oz and big cat was 6lb 5oz. Actually the second cat looked bigger but I didn't weigh him. Fish seemed most active in the owners cove by the docks and of course this was the last place I went before heading home :-[ . I used mostly black/blue Netbait baby paca craws for the most part. I did catch a couple on a black spinner and one on a black/blue chatterbait. Probably could of caught more spinnerbait fish but I lost the blades on two spinners last night and got >. Something spooked the crap out me in boat dock cove by the campground. Don't know what it was but had me on edge for about a hour...or untill I caught that second stinkin cat. Might go back out tonight...don't know though as my thumb is trashed from last night. Might go to BPS and get me one of them lipper tools :-/
ring fry reply :
Man, I miss that lake. Used to live between there and Clinton and fished it all the time. Many days of 'bleeding thumb'.
huskertko reply :
I caught a new PB at Shawnee Mission last night. I posted about it in the Outings forum. If you haven't been there lately, it has been drawn down a lot so they can work on the upper end, you can actually walk all the way around it with out having to tromp through the forest on the south side.
bassassinator reply :
Man, I miss those "bleeding thumb" days. It seems that I choose the worst times to go fishing. This has been a slow season for me. I have not had any of those "slayed em" days all year.
My question is about fishing in the Osage Beach end of the lake in the fall.
From what I read here, black and blue jigs, spinners, plastics, etc.. are the go to colors now.
Will that still be the case in the fall? Or would brighter colors such as fire tiger or chartruse and green be the go to colors?
I was at Pomme this past weekend and it seems that the bright colors were doing a good job close to the banks and I also caught several on a shad colored diver digging into the bottom of 4-6 ft of water.
twors reply :
Caught my new personal best sunday morning at Lonestar...4lb 10oz. Was by myself so I had to tilt the camera at tad to get all the fish into the picture.
w4svc reply :
Nice to know there is Kansas fishermen & fisherwomen on the forum
w4svc reply :
Any good Walleye lakes in NE Kansas? Never caught a walleye yet and would like to try.
I've heard there are a lot of walleye fisherman that never caught a walleye?
Maybe it takes a Bass fisherman to catch a walleye. ;D
Tried crappie fishing with a buddy that does it a lot. I caught one to his three then led him astray.
We both caught our limit of LM. ;D
skunked_again reply :
we can kiss cedar lake goodbye. the land has been sold and will be mined. nothing like killing a 50 year old lake that gives up 6 lbs. bass quite often. > >
huskertko reply :
Quotewe can kiss cedar lake goodbye. the land has been sold and will be mined. nothing like killing a 50 year old lake that gives up 6 lbs. bass quite often. >
I hadn't heard that, when are the closing it and starting the draining process? I have lost a few lure in that lake, I may need to head out there and see if i can recover a few.
Unfortunately, I can't say that I am super disappointed in the news, I have never had much success there myself, although it is sad that an old established body of water is gong to be gone, not to mention the park and playgrounds for the kiddos.
KansasBassin reply :
Skunked...where did you see Cedar was closing...I cant find any info on it. Although no great loss, that lake was never consistent to me...
I think Lake Olathe or Gardner was a much better lake. Cedar just always seemed real muddy to me.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteSkunked...where did you see Cedar was closing...I cant find any info on it. Although no great loss, that lake was never consistent to me...I think Lake Olathe or Gardner was a much better lake. Cedar just always seemed real muddy to me.
i was told by an employee at BPS. i assume the info is good info. as far as the lake being no great loss IMO any piece of water thats been in place for over 50 years is a great loss. i personally have no problem boating large bass at the lake, on the other hand i couldnt catch a thing at olathe lake the times ive fished it.
KansasBass reply :
Which employee at BassPro? Just wondering because my uncle works up there. His names Russ, short little guy, 40's, dark hair. I practically live there myself, lol.
ks cranker reply :
Anyone been out and caught any fish yet? :-?
huskertko reply :
Quotewe can kiss cedar lake goodbye. the land has been sold and will be mined. nothing like killing a 50 year old lake that gives up 6 lbs. bass quite often. >
I called City of Olathe about this because I wanted to know when it was going to happen, and they didn't know anything about the sale and future closing of the lake/park. They did say that they are planning on closing the lake either late this year or early next to dredge it out.
huskertko reply :
QuoteAnyone been out and caught any fish yet? :-?
I went out last weekend for a while, but I was bank fishing and could catch a cold if I wanted to. As a side note, it was more of a testing session trying out Stren MicroFuse line, and it failed the test miserably. >
ks cranker reply :
I'm thinking about hitting Lake Olathe after work. Anyone know a good spot to hook a bass?
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuotewe can kiss cedar lake goodbye. the land has been sold and will be mined. nothing like killing a 50 year old lake that gives up 6 lbs. bass quite often. >I called City of Olathe about this because I wanted to know when it was going to happen, and they didn't know anything about the sale and future closing of the lake/park. They did say that they are planning on closing the lake either late this year or early next to dredge it out.
im finding the same thing. i noticed c.a.s.t. still had their date on the lake so i think the info was bad.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteAnyone been out and caught any fish yet? :-?
la cygne has an ok bite. rodney at BPS says kill creek is starting to come on.
huskertko reply :
QuoteQuoteAnyone been out and caught any fish yet? :-?la cygne has an ok bite. rodney at BPS says kill creek is starting to come on.
That is where I went last weekend, it was really muddy, especially for Kill Creek.
senile1 reply :
For you Kansas guys south of KC, La Cygne is where I would go first, due to the warm water discharge. Up here north of Kansas City on the Missouri side, we still had a lot of ice last week, but the warmer temperatures this week should make a dent in the ice. Smithville still had a lot of ice in the large coves last week.
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
I have been out E of Wichita the last two weekends. Caught 1 fish. :'( Went out today, we caught 43 and a new PB for the fat man!!
I posted it up in the outing section! http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1205380145 Needless to say I am pumped up! I was a little dumped after two solid efforts and barely a fish to my name in '08! Gotta keep casting (or wait for the weather to warm things up)!
SPRING IS HERE!!!
Thats right! I said it!
Happy Releasing,
H.G.
PS: KU BASSMASTER - I wore my good luck fishing towel just for you big guy! Good luck in the tourney man! I swing both ways : Anything positive for a KS team is good for KS in my opinion!
ring fry reply :
Great fish, and nice presentation in the outing section.
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
Thanks Ring Fry! Kind of a pic-u-mentry ;D
Happy Releasing fellas!
senile1 reply :
You must be flying higher than a kite, hydrillagorilla. After that day, you won't want to fish anywhere else.
-hydrillagorilla- reply :
LOL Senile1 - fact is- I may never get to fish that lake again. It was kind of a lucky deal I was invited -hence taking a day off of work.
I am back on the bench!
He has permission but he handles it correctly and limits his fishing to about 4 or 5 times a year. He and his friend (also a bud of mine) worked on getting on that lake for several years. So when they go, it's usually those two. He had to back out so I got the call .
I kind of know the guy (property owner), but I wouldn't dare step on their toes and ask too.
senile1 reply :
Dude, that's too bad. But what a day! Wow! It sounds like your friend handles the situation properly. When you get a place like that you don't want to overdo it. Four or five times a year sounds about right.
huskertko reply :
Just an update on water temp more than anything. I went to Kill Creek tonight for a while and tried to fish, I say tried because I am still learning to handle a boat and fish at the same time. :-[
Anyway Kill Creek was extremely muddy but the temps were starting to come up. Water down by the boat ramp was 50.3 but the water at the dam and the northwest corner were up to 53 and that was at 6:30 at night.
I didn't catch any fish but thought I would give an update on the water temps, I can feel the spawn getting closer.
w4svc reply :
I spent the day on Brown Co. Lake. Lake temps were 44-45deg. Had only one hit using a coffee tube, I did not get the hook set > Going to try it again Saturday. One person on the bank was catching bluegill.
huskertko reply :
Does anyone have any advice on Shawnee Mission Park lake? I have fallen into a rut of always going to Kill Creek because I feel comfortable fishing it, but I would like to start to get that comfort level at some other local KC lakes. With the weather looking like it will cooperate this weekend, and the fact I have a boat now, I was thinking of giving SM park a go.
Any ideas on where to start out there? I was thinking of fishing the coves on south side, mainly since I have never been able to fish in those areas with out a boat.
Thanks
ks cranker reply :
i'm planning to go to SMP tomorrow as well. grey express boat, I shout if I find any thing! ;D
w4svc reply :
Water temps here in norhtern Ks still cold 47 deg.
Did put a 1.5 lber in the boat on a shaky head worm bounced on the bottom.
s_self88 reply :
QuoteDoes anyone have any advice on Shawnee Mission Park lake? I have fallen into a rut of always going to Kill Creek because I feel comfortable fishing it, but I would like to start to get that comfort level at some other local KC lakes. With the weather looking like it will cooperate this weekend, and the fact I have a boat now, I was thinking of giving SM park a go.Any ideas on where to start out there? I was thinking of fishing the coves on south side, mainly since I have never been able to fish in those areas with out a boat.
Thanks
I fish SMP a lot, but I'm stuck on shore. If the sun stays out this week, then it might trigger the best bite of the year there, prespawn. There are some flats with a little bit of grass on them, and you can catch a lot of fish, just burning a spinnerbait or using a suspending jerkbait across them. Once it gets closer to spawning, i'd start to fish the south side coves, I know you've probably read that bass like to be on the north side of the lake when they are approaching the spawn in the spring, but the structure/cover on the north side isn't any good. The coves on the south side are full of brushpiles and laydowns, and there will be a lot of fish around them.
KansasBassin reply :
Found this old thread we need to get going again.
I am stuck in a rut of Kill Creek and Gardner, need some new holes to frequent. Any of you KC area fisherman found any good spots lately that would work for a small boat?
I have fished this year at Kill Creek, decent but nothing of size. SMP, had a real nice morning there that included a 2.5 lb, 18 inch fish. Lake Lenexa once on pre spawn, caught some small bass but I can see in a couple years this place getting a good bite. I saw a thread earlier where someone mentioned James A Reed, can you take a boat out there? A 9 foot 2 man electric?
Where else?
skunked_again reply :
QuoteFound this old thread we need to get going again.I am stuck in a rut of Kill Creek and Gardner, need some new holes to frequent. Any of you KC area fisherman found any good spots lately that would work for a small boat?
I have fished this year at Kill Creek, decent but nothing of size. SMP, had a real nice morning there that included a 2.5 lb, 18 inch fish. Lake Lenexa once on pre spawn, caught some small bass but I can see in a couple years this place getting a good bite. I saw a thread earlier where someone mentioned James A Reed, can you take a boat out there? A 9 foot 2 man electric?
Where else?
i like kill creek.
i caught 7 from the bank tonight, and i stink at bank fishing. bigger fish can always be caught from a boat. that fish was the end of last year.
i never fish gardner. you might try douglas county or baldwin county.
KansasBassin reply :
Nice fish, did you catch that at kill creek?
Whats your trick out there? You hitting the deeper water around the trees, or getting back in the muck?
I struggle to fish those trees in deeper water, I need some tips. I have caught a lot of fish there don't get me wrong, just looking for something new. Although you may have renewed my interest
skunked_again reply :
right now the only thing you need is your plastics gear. in open water i like a shaky head and zoom trick worms. around the brush/moss i like creature baits on chompers weedless jig heads.i superglue the baits to the shank of the hook so the baits can be "popped" through the grass and the moss without the bait sliding down.
i like chompers shaky worm out there too.
Fishes in trees reply :
I've been mostly sticking to smaller Conservation department lakes. Buffalo Bill - outside of Cameron, Maple Leaf - outside of Higginsville, Indian Creek Lake - outside of Chillicothe, Tri-City Lake - outside of Centralia, Happy Hollow Lake - outside of Savannah. It has been a good year so far for crankbaits - medium & deep diving Timber Tigers around medium and deep trees.
It has been a good year for rattlebaits so far. pulled over the tops of grass on flats. 3 fish over 6 lbs doing this so far this year. The senko bite for me has been off so far this year, I think mostly due to water clarity issues.
The jerkbait bite that normally happens on all these lakes every spring didn't happen at all for me this year. A combination of me not getting out all that much early this spring and the weather being funky when I did.
Jigs & soft plastics on jig heads hasn't really been happening for me this year. I can't explain it. I think that the issue is primarily between my ears, but bites on jigs and soft plastics on jig heads have been few and far between. I'm talking all kinds of jigs & soft plastics on jig heads.
Eakins jigs ( heavy & light) , swim jigs, assorted other brands, shakey heads on 8 lb fluorocarbon & heavier stuff on 14 lb fluorocarbon.
Spinnerbait bite has been very hit and miss. I'm starting to get arthritis issues in my hands and after 30 or so minutes straight of throwing spinnerbaits , or square bill cranks or deep diving cranks, my hands start to hurt and so I stop doing that for a while.
I have had a number of decent days though. For me a decent day is 20 or more fish touched with at least some of them being 15" or more. The drop shot has created most of these decent days. A flippin stick, 14 or 20 lb fluorocarbon and a 38 or 1/2 ounce weight. Most of the time I'm using a pretty short drop line - 9" or less. I retie when it gets less than 4"
I've been texas rigging Bass Pro Stick-os and chigger craws and beavers and paddle tail worms on the heavier drop shot rigs. So far this year, this rig has turned rotten days into decent days.
Hope this helps. I think should we go a couple of weeks without rain, the water should clear up quite a bit and the summer senko bite will be on. So far this year, visibility has been less than a foot and a half and I have trouble making senkos work consistently.
Should it keep raining as often as it has been - once or twice a week, we still got options. There will be an intermittent reaction bait bite. Every time you find bait fish and larger humps on your screen, there is a chance of that happening. My other plan is to keep pitching the bubba drop shot rig into places where the base of trees and bushes intersects with the top of the thermocline. This has been between 7 and 12 feet down for me so far this year. My best results and the vast majority of the keeper fish I've caught have come from not throwing directly into the shade pocket but by being close (6-12") right next to the shade pocket.
I hope this gives someone food for thought. I'm having a number of minor boat issues occur all at once and I won't get to go this weekend.
KansasBassin reply :
^^^^great post Fishes in Trees
Glad to see this thread come alive, hopefully we can get some good reports this weekend. I might try and add one as well!
KansasBassin reply :
Quoteright now the only thing you need is your plastics gear. in open water i like a shaky head and zoom trick worms. around the brush/moss i like creature baits on chompers weedless jig heads.i superglue the baits to the shank of the hook so the baits can be "popped" through the grass and the moss without the bait sliding down.
i like chompers shaky worm out there too.
I have some Sweet Beavers just like that top one, go to bait for me.
skunked_again reply :
were doing Melvern tomorrow. reports to follow.
Fishes in trees reply :
I was off the water for a couple weeks due to a couple of minor boat issues. These are resolved and I got to go yesterday (Friday 7/23) Might as well not have went. 200 acre Mo conservation lake. 90 degrees water temp. 90 degree + air temp and windy. very windy. made boat control a pain. Water color was stained - around a foot of visibility. Tried shallow - nothing. Tried cranking trees - DC16 Timber Tiger - nothing.
Ended up catching 7 fish all day - Okie keepers - 14 inch slot fish. 8 to 10 feet deep in a shade pocket on a drop shot rig. Tried several drop shot baits. Only hits came on a green pumpkin crazy legs chigger craw (legs dyed chartreuse)
I had every intention to fish til dark thirty, but I got hungry and unmotivated and hot so I quit around 7. I'd like to catch one of these hot days when it is cloudy and still rather than sunny and windy, I think I'd do better.
KansasBassin reply :
Yeah it has been brutally hot in KC, either that or it rains on the weekend. Hoping to get out this weekend if everything goes as planned.
Fishes in trees reply :
Had a decent day Friday 7/30 after getting skunked Weds 7/28. Weds. was miserable hot, had 18 waters & 4 beers in the cooler, When I got home, there were 5 waters and 3 beers left.
Friday was a different story, it was supposed to be miserable hot, partly cloudy with a 30% chance of showers. Well, it rained off and on all day. Frogg Toggs are cool. 4 different times, it rained so hard you couldn't see 100 feet in front of you. Water color was moderate to heavily stained. Visibility averaged less than a foot. I caught fish off and on all day long. Lost count - more than 20 but probably less than 30. Mostly slot fish, but 3 solid keepers.. A few fish came on cranks and spinner baits, majority of the fish came on the Bubba drop shot rig - 20 lb fluoro and 1/2 ounce weight. I experimented with baits alot - best bait was the Gulp sinking minnow - green pumpkin with the tip of the tail dyed chartruese. I would have used that all the time, but the Gulp dries out quick. Driving from one end of the lake to another - 10 minutes - would dry it out noticeably.
I'd forgotten how much fun fishing in the rain is.
skunked_again reply :
i got skunked monday, but the water was so dirty you could walk across it. caught 11 on wednesday. most of the fish i caught wednesday were suspended in brush.
skunked_again reply :
caught a bunch of these today.
kill creek.
KansasBassin reply :
I was out at kill creek yesterday from about 6am until 9:30 or so and only caught a couple little ones. What is your secret? Out in the trees in deeper water? Bait? I am struggling out there lately. Deeper water is not my strength. Do tell your secret.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteI was out at kill creek yesterday from about 6am until 9:30 or so and only caught a couple little ones. What is your secret? Out in the trees in deeper water? Bait? I am struggling out there lately. Deeper water is not my strength. Do tell your secret.
a boat and a good fishfinder. drop offs and fish chasing bait fish. i didnt fish the bank at all. the same pattern worked at Lenexa lake last night.
BTW...........if you see this boat out there and theres no one on the back, wave me down. ill bring you on.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteQuoteI was out at kill creek yesterday from about 6am until 9:30 or so and only caught a couple little ones. What is your secret? Out in the trees in deeper water? Bait? I am struggling out there lately. Deeper water is not my strength. Do tell your secret.a boat and a good fishfinder. drop offs and fish chasing bait fish. i didnt fish the bank at all. the same pattern worked at Lenexa lake last night.
BTW...........if you see this boat out there and theres no one on the back, wave me down. ill bring you on.
Nice I like that lake Lenexa, going to be a good body of water in the coming years. If I see your boat I will wave you down, I could learn a thing or two about reading my depth finder. What are you driving, I have a newer white 4 door Tacoma with a 8 foot bass magnum in the back!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI was out at kill creek yesterday from about 6am until 9:30 or so and only caught a couple little ones. What is your secret? Out in the trees in deeper water? Bait? I am struggling out there lately. Deeper water is not my strength. Do tell your secret.a boat and a good fishfinder. drop offs and fish chasing bait fish. i didnt fish the bank at all. the same pattern worked at Lenexa lake last night.
BTW...........if you see this boat out there and theres no one on the back, wave me down. ill bring you on.
Nice I like that lake Lenexa, going to be a good body of water in the coming years. If I see your boat I will wave you down, I could learn a thing or two about reading my depth finder. What are you driving, I have a newer white 4 door Tacoma with a 8 foot bass magnum in the back!
06 Ford F-150 supercab, mist blue with gold on the bottom.
BTW..........were doing Cedar Lake tonight, wont have room for a 2nd but if the mood strikes bring out your boat and well see if we can land a bigger fish.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
I have hit Cedar a dozen times this year and it has been such a disappointment this summer compared to last year. I consistently caught (and released) keepers almost every outing from the bank last year. The water weeds (willows) just don't seem to hold 'em anymore. Last year, I caught 55 bass there. This year I'm at 12. :-[
KS_Frog reply :
New to the site, thank you Revo_Carrot Stix, but excited to learn more about KC area fishing opportunities! I am primarily a bank fisherman and have fished many of the small lakes and ponds in southern Johnson County. Fished Heritage this morning for 45 minutes on the way to work and caught two dinks, one on a Ribbet Frog and one on a black buzz bait. Last weekend I fished Kill Creek and caught 4, two on a black buzz bait and two on Ribbet frog including an 18'er, my largest at Kill Creek to date. Heading to Trophy Country, with Revo and 4 others, next week where I hope to tie into some larger fish.
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2010 - 297
2009 - 312
BassLaw13 reply :
I'm going on a recon mission to Melvern Saturday morning. Any areas that I should definitely hit? Any areas to definitely avoid?
Thanks!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteI have hit Cedar a dozen times this year and it has been such a disappointment this summer compared to last year. I consistently caught (and released) keepers almost every outing from the bank last year. The water weeds (willows) just don't seem to hold 'em anymore. Last year, I caught 55 bass there. This year I'm at 12. :-[
Cedar is tough. the spawn was completely out of whack this year.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
Cedar is tough. the spawn was completely out of whack this year.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteI'm going on a recon mission to Melvern Saturday morning. Any areas that I should definitely hit? Any areas to definitely avoid?Thanks!
i like fishing the boat ramps. should be bait fish balls to follow. we will be on Melvern early Sunday.
BassLaw13 reply :
We fished Melvern Lake in Kansas today (August 7). Even though the temperatures have been hot and the lake level down, we still had a successful day on the water.
We launched just after 6am and began throwing topwater lures on main and secondary lake points. Most of these were rip rap banks and/or chunk rock with substantial structure found from 6 to 10 feet deep. One good bite on a pop-r was all we could manage in the still, early morning hour. My boater caught a sauger on a spinnerbait.
We ran toward the dam and had bites on crankbaits and soft plastics but we still had no bass in the boat. We then fished the dam and finally my boater caught a smallmouth bass.
We went into a cove and fished a breakwall next and I caught a largemouth on a shaky head and within 5 minutes I caught a Kentucky on the same set-up. We noticed the bite really picked up as the breeze got stronger and there was some chop on the water.
We finished the morning with both of us catching largemouths and smallmouths on crankbaits, senkos, and Texas-rigged soft plastics. As we were scouting the lake for a youth tournament tomorrow, we packed it in just before noon with both of us catching a limit. The water temperature was in the low 80s and clarity was near 2 feet at the dam and muddying up the further you ran from the dam.
KansasBassin reply :
Went out to lake lenexa today for about three hours. Was there about sun up, and started with some top water. Got a few slaps at the bait, but no hook ups. Then went with a lucky craft rouge style and caught a few non keepers. Switched over to the plastics after about an hour. Kept trying to target these deep trees by the boat ramps. Finanlly found a pattern with a senko rigged wacky style. I would cast it into the trees and just shake it as it fell. Caught two keepers, and about 4 more dinks. Felt good about finally putting a pattern together on the sunken timber.
KS_Frog reply :
Fished Trophy Country in MO last week and caught 29 bass in a little over 10 hours, including 3.5 lb 19.5 on a Fat Ika. There were six of us and we caught 153 fish on buzz baits, spinners, crank baits, jigs and a variety of soft plastics. It was extremely hot Tuesday afternoon and we got soaked Wednesday morningbut I will go back! Has anyone heard anything about Iron Gate Inn in Oswego, KS?
KansasBassin reply :
Where is this Trophy Country you speak of?
ks cranker reply :
Anyone been to Lone Star Lake? I'm going for the first time tomorrow... How's the fishing been? Thanks
KS_Frog reply :
KansasBassin,
Sorry I was off for a few days and I see Revo replied with information on what to take under the Trophy Country post. I would add that I caught my biggest bass, 3.5 lbs on a fat Ika. Out of the 27 I caught, at least 10 were on soft plastics and the remainder on crank baits.
KS Cranker,
I have not been to Lone Star but talked about it with another fisherman at Kill Creek. He said he caught several bass on a small craw crank bait, this was about a month ago. Let me know what you think, I may make the drive from Johnson County!
Fishes in trees reply :
Got out yesterday (8/20) - went to Indian Creek Lake in Livingston County. Tough day - it was't that hot,but I couldn't get any kind of a pattern going. Every 10 or 20 minutes I'd catch a slot fish 8 - 15 feet down on the bubba drop shot rig.
Started raining at 3 - variable rains the rest of the afternoon. Boat & gear got soaked, but Frogg Toggs worked. Bite picked up a little bit, but nothing stellar. One stumpy mid lake hump produced 5 fish in 5 casts (all 13-14 inch slot fish) and then it stopped. Fish wouldn't hit the shallow crank anymore. Wouldn't hit the spinnerbait. Wouldn't hit the chatterbait. Wouldn't hit the Magic Swimmer. Don't know what was up. 5 fish in 5 casts, I know I didn't catch all the fish in the area, but they just shut down. I didn't make any stupid amounts of noise and I didn't have my trolling motor very high.
I don't know. Bite just stopped.
Probably try a different lake next week.
KC Bass Fanatic reply :
Fished Truman Friday night and Saturday. The bite was pretty good early and late. All the fish I caught were tight on standing hardwood timber. The cedars didn't seem to be holding them. Fish were in 4-12' of water near channel swings. The best bite was a 10" worm in purple but I caught them early Saturday on a buzzbait and Shadalicious swimbait in green gizzard. We only caught 1 big one, she went 5-12, early Saturday morning on a 10" worm.
Flip big plastics to the stumps all day for keeper bass right now.
Fishes in trees reply :
Firday 8/27 ended up not trying at different lake this week, returned to Indian Creek Lake in Livingston County. Bright sunshine & breezy all day. Significant drop in water temp compared to last week. (surface temp, don't have any way to measure temp at different depths) Last week 87 to 89 degrees all over the lake (roughly 180 acres) This week, didn't find any water over 80 degrees until after 3 in the afternoon, back in a cove, and not everywhere in the cove. Fishing was basically slower then last week. Outside of a couple of crank bait fish, all the fish (15 or so slot fish, no keepers) come on the drop shot rig. A couple of major points had the southern wind blowing in to them. Fish should have been stacked on the points. I marked a few, but I couldn't get a major bite going. A couple of crank bait fish (1 off each point) and that was it. I spent a little over 2 hours covering 2 points, which were less than 50 yards each.
I threw shallow & deep cranks, t-rigs, 1/2 oz jig with a Chompers. Water was borderline clear enough for jerk baits, so I spent a short amount of time looking for suspended fish with Lucky Craft pointers.
Most productive patten was Beaver dams. Every cove in that lake has 1 or 2 beaver dams in it. Drop shot 8 to 15 feet of water in front of the dam and you'd get bit. Come back 20 minutes later and you'd get bit again.
As breezy as it was, I caught a major sun burn & didn't realize it until I was driving home. You can carry all the sunscreen you want in your fishing truck, but it doesn't work unless you actually put it on. I don't know what I was thinking, I just forgot to do the sunscreen thing. The first serious burn I've got this year. Ears, cheeks, back of neck - bright red. Coincidentally, the first time this year I forgot my doofus hat, it looks stupid, but it covers all the areas that got burned. I wore a ball cap instead. my mistake. I got no clue where my doofus hat is, I'll have to go get another.
KCWebPlaza reply :
I'm in the same situation - a bank fisherman who's hittin all the small ponds/lakes in Johnson county. There's quite a few. Is all the traffic stuff cleared up for Cedar yet? Will hit Lenexa Lake this weekend for first time.
QuoteNew to the site, thank you Revo_Carrot Stix, but excited to learn more about KC area fishing opportunities! I am primarily a bank fisherman and have fished many of the small lakes and ponds in southern Johnson County. Fished Heritage this morning for 45 minutes on the way to work and caught two dinks, one on a Ribbet Frog and one on a black buzz bait. Last weekend I fished Kill Creek and caught 4, two on a black buzz bait and two on Ribbet frog including an 18'er, my largest at Kill Creek to date. Heading to Trophy Country, with Revo and 4 others, next week where I hope to tie into some larger fish.___________________________________________________
2010 - 297
2009 - 312
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
QuoteI'm in the same situation - a bank fisherman who's hittin all the small ponds/lakes in Johnson county. There's quite a few. Is all the traffic stuff cleared up for Cedar yet? Will hit Lenexa Lake this weekend for first time.
Cedar Lake is open @ Lone Elm entrance. North entrance (off 159th?) will be closed until the city revamps that end of the park. Lake has been murky every time I go out there, regardless of weather.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteI'm in the same situation - a bank fisherman who's hittin all the small ponds/lakes in Johnson county. There's quite a few. Is all the traffic stuff cleared up for Cedar yet? Will hit Lenexa Lake this weekend for first time.Cedar Lake is open @ Lone Elm entrance. North entrance (off 159th?) will be closed until the city revamps that end of the park. Lake has been murky every time I go out there, regardless of weather.
the way the city changed the drain-off, thats how that lake is going to be for the next few years.
p.s. i have it on good account that there have been a few bass over 5 lbs landed out at kill creek.
KansasBassin reply :
Where are these 5lbers at Kill Creek? was one of those yours skunked?
ks cranker reply :
Don't know about 5lbers. But I did catch a 4+lber about 2 weeks ago at Kill Creek. Did not weigh her but she measured 20.25". ;D
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteDon't know about 5lbers. But I did catch a 4+lber about 2 weeks ago at Kill Creek. Did not weigh her but she measured 20.25". ;D
Where did you catch that fish? Pattern?
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
QuoteQuoteDon't know about 5lbers. But I did catch a 4+lber about 2 weeks ago at Kill Creek. Did not weigh her but she measured 20.25". ;DWhere did you catch that fish? Pattern?
That is HUGE for Kill Creek!! I think my biggest out there is 18"...with the majority in the 12-14" range. Great job man!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I fished Bone Creek Wednesday and Cedar Creek Lake Thursday. The crazy weather on Wednesday made it pretty tough at bone. It really sucked when I noticed it was getting ready to start raining and I realized both pairs of my rain gear were at home in the garage :'( . We still managed to catch a bunch of fish but nothing over 18 inches. Wish I could find the bigger fish in that lake! Cedar Creek was at least 2 feet high after all the rain but still pretty clear. All the standing timber in that lake makes it interesting to fish to say the least. I caught fish on tubes, cranks, worms, and spinnerbaits but again nothing over 18 inches. I did have one crush a 100 series bandit then see how many laps around a tree it could swim before my line broke. Going to go back to Bone Creek next Wednesday and probably Banner Creek Thursday. If I figure out how to post pictures and I catch anything worth showing I'll put them on here!
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
QuoteI fished Bone Creek Wednesday and Cedar Creek Lake Thursday. The crazy weather on Wednesday made it pretty tough at bone. It really sucked when I noticed it was getting ready to start raining and I realized both pairs of my rain gear were at home in the garage :'( . We still managed to catch a bunch of fish but nothing over 18 inches. Wish I could find the bigger fish in that lake! Cedar Creek was at least 2 feet high after all the rain but still pretty clear. All the standing timber in that lake makes it interesting to fish to say the least. I caught fish on tubes, cranks, worms, and spinnerbaits but again nothing over 18 inches. I did have one crush a 100 series bandit then see how many laps around a tree it could swim before my line broke. Going to go back to Bone Creek next Wednesday and probably Banner Creek Thursday. If I figure out how to post pictures and I catch anything worth showing I'll put them on here!
BB86
Where's Bone Creek and Cedar Creek Lake located? I didn't see any listings on KDWP. Are they in KC metro area?
skunked_again reply :
QuoteDon't know about 5lbers. But I did catch a 4+lber about 2 weeks ago at Kill Creek. Did not weigh her but she measured 20.25". ;D
5 lbs 8 oz, and im 100% sure. also have seen pics of a few fish that were over 5 lbs. those fish still live there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Bone Creek is about 10 minutes south of Ft.Scott. Cedar Creek is about 10 minutes north west of Ft.Scott. Go to kansas department of wildlifes website kdwp.state.ks.us and go to the fishing tab. then click on where to fish in kansas. it lists almost every fishable body of water in the state by region. It has been a very useful tool for me.
KansasBassin reply :
Went to kill creek today. 0630 to about 0930. Hit three right off he bat with a lucky craft sammy close to the spillway bridge. Nothing big but i was feeling good. After 30 minutes I went to the shaky head in the deeper trees, again hooked up a couple but nothing huge. Spent the rest of the time hanging in the deeper trees throwing wacky worms, and numerous texas rigs. Had a decent day with 8 fish but not that 5lber skunked says lives in there! Then watched the Chiefs kick some butt, well not really but they won!
Fishes in trees reply :
I got to go last Friday 9/17. A beautiful day, sunny with some clouds and a little breezy. Remembered the sun screen so there were no serious skin issues. Water temps were 71 around 9 am off the dam in deeper water to 76 later in the afternoon back in a cove. I tried a bunch of different baits. Got one fish early on a Stacy King Lucky Craft, but couldn't duplicate it with another hit. I got a couple of random hits on crankbaits, but couldn't generate anything consistent.
Throughout the day, the only fish I was marking were very close to the bottom, so those were the ones I fished for. Caught more than 10 - less than 20 - 13 to 14.5" slot fish. All came on a drop shot. Water visibility was a foot to a foot and a half in the main lake, probably less than a foot of visibility in the coves. Tried a variety of baits, all fish came on various senko imitators - a slurpee, or a Chompers or a Gulp sinking minnow.
I'd use the sinking minnows all the time if they didn't dry out so quick when they are laying on the deck.
Highlight of the day was throwing the sinking minnow to the shady side of a stump in 12 foot of water and a 20" channel cat hit it. For a moment, I thought I had a personal best - it didn't want to come to the surface at all.
I'm probably going to get to go next Friday, long range forecast is 70's with rain showers throughout the day. At some point this fall, fish will start to aggregate in the coves, that's where I'm going to start on Friday.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteI got to go last Friday 9/17. A beautiful day, sunny with some clouds and a little breezy. Remembered the sun screen so there were no serious skin issues. Water temps were 71 around 9 am off the dam in deeper water to 76 later in the afternoon back in a cove. I tried a bunch of different baits. Got one fish early on a Stacy King Lucky Craft, but couldn't duplicate it with another hit. I got a couple of random hits on crankbaits, but couldn't generate anything consistent.Throughout the day, the only fish I was marking were very close to the bottom, so those were the ones I fished for. Caught more than 10 - less than 20 - 13 to 14.5" slot fish. All came on a drop shot. Water visibility was a foot to a foot and a half in the main lake, probably less than a foot of visibility in the coves. Tried a variety of baits, all fish came on various senko imitators - a slurpee, or a Chompers or a Gulp sinking minnow.
I'd use the sinking minnows all the time if they didn't dry out so quick when they are laying on the deck.
Highlight of the day was throwing the sinking minnow to the shady side of a stump in 12 foot of water and a 20" channel cat hit it. For a moment, I thought I had a personal best - it didn't want to come to the surface at all.
I'm probably going to get to go next Friday, long range forecast is 70's with rain showers throughout the day. At some point this fall, fish will start to aggregate in the coves, that's where I'm going to start on Friday.
Where were you fishing? I am waiting for that day when they get back in the shallows as well...this summer has been so hot. Would love to get back to my strengths, which definitely isnt deeper water.
ks cranker reply :
QuoteWent to kill creek today. 0630 to about 0930. Hit three right off he bat with a lucky craft sammy close to the spillway bridge. Nothing big but i was feeling good. After 30 minutes I went to the shaky head in the deeper trees, again hooked up a couple but nothing huge. Spent the rest of the time hanging in the deeper trees throwing wacky worms, and numerous texas rigs. Had a decent day with 8 fish but not that 5lber skunked says lives in there! Then watched the Chiefs kick some butt, well not really but they won!
KB - Sounds like you were doing the right things. How deep where you fishing in those trees?
KansasBassin reply :
When I was wacky worming I was trying all depths, cant remember my sweet spot. What have you been throwing around the trees?
I did hit up hillsdale last night and landed a 3lber and a ton of white bass and walleye.
ks cranker reply :
QuoteWhen I was wacky worming I was trying all depths, cant remember my sweet spot. What have you been throwing around the trees?I did hit up hillsdale last night and landed a 3lber and a ton of white bass and walleye.
I was throwing a Bass-X jig. Tried a brush hog, but they didn't seem to want that though.
Might go out there tomorrow, but not sure yet.
Catching keepers at Hillsdale is pretty amazing too! Good job!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteWhen I was wacky worming I was trying all depths, cant remember my sweet spot. What have you been throwing around the trees?I did hit up hillsdale last night and landed a 3lber and a ton of white bass and walleye.
I was throwing a Bass-X jig. Tried a brush hog, but they didn't seem to want that though.
Might go out there tomorrow, but not sure yet.
Catching keepers at Hillsdale is pretty amazing too! Good job!
very true.
if you do kill creek tomorrow youll probably bump into me. im on the fence between there and Gardner Lake. i found a very nice drop off at Gardner the other day.
ks cranker reply :
Ok, your going to have to explain that screen shot to me... Is that some sort of lipped ledge? :-?
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
And how has Garnder been?
I used to go out there all the time 5-6 years ago. Seems like fishing was awesome at the beginning of that time and started slowly but surely declining over the next few years. Then about 3 years ago I believe I went out there during the spawn and saw very very few beds. I don't know about you, but that's how I kind of gauge the type of population that lake has. I stopped going. Then come to find out I met a guy at a wedding this summer that said the largemouth bass virus hit that lake hard. Made sense from what I had seen over the past few years.
Making a comeback?
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteAnd how has Garnder been?I used to go out there all the time 5-6 years ago. Seems like fishing was awesome at the beginning of that time and started slowly but surely declining over the next few years. Then about 3 years ago I believe I went out there during the spawn and saw very very few beds. I don't know about you, but that's how I kind of gauge the type of population that lake has. I stopped going. Then come to find out I met a guy at a wedding this summer that said the largemouth bass virus hit that lake hard. Made since from what I had seen over the past few years.
Making a comeback?
I didn't go to gardner all year because the last two years have been really slow. I heard they had LM b disease as well. For that reason I have stuck to Kill Creek, Lake Olathe, SMP, and as of late, Lake Lenexa. I really like Gardner and hope it comes back, I will for sure check the spawn there next year. I have caught good fish there in years past, but as I said the last couple have been slow. I really look for lake lenexa to heat up in the coming years, a great little lake perfect for my 9 ft bass magnum.
ks cranker reply :
QuoteAnd how has Garnder been?I used to go out there all the time 5-6 years ago. Seems like fishing was awesome at the beginning of that time and started slowly but surely declining over the next few years. Then about 3 years ago I believe I went out there during the spawn and saw very very few beds. I don't know about you, but that's how I kind of gauge the type of population that lake has. I stopped going. Then come to find out I met a guy at a wedding this summer that said the largemouth bass virus hit that lake hard. Made since from what I had seen over the past few years.
Making a comeback?
I've gone to Gardner way too often this year... just too close to home.
There are a ton of 11-13" bass. The biggest I've seen this year was around 3.5#'s.
It really isn't that hard to go out and catch a dozen or more small guys in a few hours.
I've heard there was a 7lber caught this spring, so there are a few biggens left out there...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I also heard of someone catching a 7lber from Gardner this spring. I heard it was a homeowner on the lake that caught it on a goldfish while he was catfishing. I did catch 2 around 4 or 4 1/2 in March on a spinnerbait but other than that I caught one over 15inches on a jerkbait early in the year and that was it. I fished it a bunch because it was only about a 5 minute drive but I stopped going because I didn't see the point when there really isn't any chance at a bigger fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I fished bone creek saturday in a small tournament. Had 3 keepers on but put zero of them in the boat. Thought I had a really nice fish on a crankbait early in the morning but it turned out to be a catfish > . Lots of small fish on cranks. About 15 lbs won it so it was a pretty good day for someone! Might go to Melvern Wednesday and fish for some of those brown bass!
KansasBassin reply :
Thanks for the report bluebasser86. Sounds like we all got about the same feelings about Gardner. It is also shaping up to be a good group of KC fishing reports. Keep up the good work gentleman! Hope to have a Hillsdale report for you Sunday morning.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteQuoteAnd how has Garnder been?I used to go out there all the time 5-6 years ago. Seems like fishing was awesome at the beginning of that time and started slowly but surely declining over the next few years. Then about 3 years ago I believe I went out there during the spawn and saw very very few beds. I don't know about you, but that's how I kind of gauge the type of population that lake has. I stopped going. Then come to find out I met a guy at a wedding this summer that said the largemouth bass virus hit that lake hard. Made since from what I had seen over the past few years.
Making a comeback?
I've gone to Gardner way too often this year... just too close to home.
There are a ton of 11-13" bass. The biggest I've seen this year was around 3.5#'s.
It really isn't that hard to go out and catch a dozen or more small guys in a few hours.
I've heard there was a 7lber caught this spring, so there are a few biggens left out there...
gardner is a great numbers lake. for myself, 18" bass is the max ive pulled out.
i fished kill creek today. popping lipless baits through the grass is still a good pattern.
ks cranker reply :
Any one fished La Cygne lately? Going out there on Saturday....
skunked_again reply :
QuoteAny one fished La Cygne lately? Going out there on Saturday....
buddy tells me its been good there all year. B & J jigs he says.
Bluebasser86 reply :
What is a B & J jig? I fished La cygne a couple weeks ago and did decent on a chart/black 100 series bandit in the river. Fish were really healthy.
Bluebasser86 reply :
My wife and I fished Leavenworth State Lake for about 4 hours this afternoon. Caught 8-9 on a 1.5 Rick Clunn silent crankbait. My wife caught 5 bass and a channel cat on a gulp minnow on a jighead. Caught a couple more fish on crawdad colored 100 series bandit and my 2 biggest ones on a shakey head with a green pumpkin trick worm. Nothing big, probably 15 or 16 inches or so. My wifes catfish was about 3lbs and on a 6' 8" light shimano dropshot rod and 6lb test, was a pretty proud moment, gave her all she wanted!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteWhat is a B & J jig? I fished La cygne a couple weeks ago and did decent on a chart/black 100 series bandit in the river. Fish were really healthy.
a hair jig.
zerofivenismo reply :
Need a little help guys. I've never fished Lenexa Lake. I know gas motors are prohibited. I have a 25hp tiller. Do I remove the gas tank, or just have the motor trimmed out. Also do you just use the TM to put it back on the trailer? Thanks.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteNeed a little help guys. I've never fished Lenexa Lake. I know gas motors are prohibited. I have a 25hp tiller. Do I remove the gas tank, or just have the motor trimmed out. Also do you just use the TM to put it back on the trailer? Thanks.
I am pretty sure you can leave the gas tank, just not fire it up. As far as trailering your boat yeah I would say trolling motor is best option. Get a good run at it I guess at least until you could get the cranked hooked up. I have a small boat so I do the heavy lifting.
Chino_kc reply :
Does anyone fish at Longview Lake? I have yet to catch anything there. I am pretty new to bass fishing (I'd say only about a week, so I am not expecting to land much haha) and not only am I not catching bass, I couldnt catch anything. I was at it at 8am and tried catfishing and all I see was a feeding frenzy on my cat bait with no catch haha
zerofivenismo reply :
QuoteQuoteNeed a little help guys. I've never fished Lenexa Lake. I know gas motors are prohibited. I have a 25hp tiller. Do I remove the gas tank, or just have the motor trimmed out. Also do you just use the TM to put it back on the trailer? Thanks.I am pretty sure you can leave the gas tank, just not fire it up. As far as trailering your boat yeah I would say trolling motor is best option. Get a good run at it I guess at least until you could get the cranked hooked up. I have a small boat so I do the heavy lifting.
Thanks KB. I'll give it a shot in the morning.
skunked_again reply :
QuoteNeed a little help guys. I've never fished Lenexa Lake. I know gas motors are prohibited. I have a 25hp tiller. Do I remove the gas tank, or just have the motor trimmed out. Also do you just use the TM to put it back on the trailer? Thanks.
i dont do anything to my gas motor. i myself use my TM to get my boat back on the trailer, i know others do not. wear shorts, worst case scenario youre a bit wet on the ride home.
ill also note, watch the water in front of your trolling motor, there is heavy brush out in the middle of the lake where you would never expect it.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteQuoteNeed a little help guys. I've never fished Lenexa Lake. I know gas motors are prohibited. I have a 25hp tiller. Do I remove the gas tank, or just have the motor trimmed out. Also do you just use the TM to put it back on the trailer? Thanks.i dont do anything to my gas motor. i myself use my TM to get my boat back on the trailer, i know others do not. wear shorts, worst case scenario youre a bit wet on the ride home.
ill also note, watch the water in front of your trolling motor, there is heavy brush out in the middle of the lake where you would never expect it.
And thank them later for leaving that brush ;D
Bluebasser86 reply :
Does Lenexa have any bigger fish in it? I had no problem catching fish but only had one over 15" unless you count the channel cat I caught on a trick worm then I had two. It seemed like it had great potential. I don't know much about the lake but I think it is pretty new isn't it? I did have a double on a Zell Pop of a largemouth and a green sunfish, never done that before.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteDoes Lenexa have any bigger fish in it? I had no problem catching fish but only had one over 15" unless you count the channel cat I caught on a trick worm then I had two. It seemed like it had great potential. I don't know much about the lake but I think it is pretty new isn't it? I did have a double on a Zell Pop of a largemouth and a green sunfish, never done that before.
Yeah I have not heard of any big fish yet, but in a couple years I bet it starts to produce well. I think they opened it for fishing in 2008, and filled it in 2006 or 2007. Probably 3 or 4 year old fish.
flipinstick88 reply :
I have only fished Lenexa one time, the first spring it was open. Caught one that was just shy of 4lbs.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I saw on kansas department of wildlife that they had sampled fish over 4lbs out of there so I was just wondering if anyone had caught any bigger fish, I guess so!
skunked_again reply :
we all need to plan a day to invade Melvern or La Cygne.
my father and i are testing the waters at Melvern saturday. the fishing should start coming on fast down there.
anglerintraining reply :
Hi-My son recently moved back here & has suggested we go fishing this w/e. We haven't been fishing here in years. We don't have a boat, so it will be bank-fishing. Any suggestions as to where we should go? --Preferably someplace we can catch something so that he'll want to do this again! He suggested Jas A Reed, where we used to go a lot when he was a kid. What do y'all think? --Not north of Liberty or south of Jas A Reed would be best.
KansasBassin reply :
I think I am going to take my boy out to james a reed tomorrow. Looking forward to it. He is only 5 but loves fishing!
anglerintraining reply :
KansasBassin-
Did you go to Jas A Reed? If so, how was it--do you have a report?
skunked_again reply :
Melvern report is:
a lot of these:
a lot of these:
some of these:
a few of these:
and it wouldnt be a trip to Melvern without:
baits were Chompers trick works on a shaky head. XCalibur Xr50 chrome/blue. Lucky Craft G.D.S. Mini DR American Shad.
KansasBassin reply :
QuoteKansasBassin-Did you go to Jas A Reed? If so, how was it--do you have a report?
I did go. I caught a real nice LM on a 6" Texas rigged senko up real shallow in some brush. It was a real nice place as it was my first time. I took my boy out there and he got a little antsy after an hour. We went to two different ponds, one was blanketed with a thick weed. I could tell it was fishy but my boy kept getting all mucked up so we left and went to another lake which i think was plover. It had a ton of lay downs around the shore. All in all I was really impressed with james a reed. I would love to spend a day out there just pond hopping to all the different places. I also wish i could take my bass buggy out there, although there is one of the larger lakes that has 4 boats for rent. I need to check into that.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Thanks for the report skunked, I was trying to decide where to go Wednesday. Melvern was on my list and that looks like where I'll be headed!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well we went to Melvern today and we killed them! Caught tons of smallies and whites. We also caught some largemouth, spots, and one each of drum, carp, and sunfish. Nothing huge buts lots of smallmouth up to 3lbs, white bass over 2lbs, and one of the largemouth was just shy of 4lbs. Caught fish on almost everything we threw. Shakey heads, rattle trap type baits, pointers, and LC rick clunn crankbaits were best producers. Also caught fish on poppers, chompers, spinnerbaits, and gulp minnows. I was such an awesome day I may have to go back tomorrow!
skunked_again reply :
QuoteWell we went to Melvern today and we killed them! Caught tons of smallies and whites. We also caught some largemouth, spots, and one each of drum, carp, and sunfish. Nothing huge buts lots of smallmouth up to 3lbs, white bass over 2lbs, and one of the largemouth was just shy of 4lbs. Caught fish on almost everything we threw. Shakey heads, rattle trap type baits, pointers, and LC rick clunn crankbaits were best producers. Also caught fish on poppers, chompers, spinnerbaits, and gulp minnows. I was such an awesome day I may have to go back tomorrow!
i bet the wind kicked your butt all day...
Bluebasser86 reply :
The wind was pretty rough but we mainly just fished with it where it was bad and against it where we were out of it a little bit. When it really started to blow we were just fishing faster moving baits because you couldn't feel a shakey head at all. I went back the next day and did pretty good but not quite as good. I did catch a pretty nice saugeye on a hula grub that made the trip back home with me. I had another good largemouth on a spinnerbait and plenty of nice smallies. Most of my fish thursday were on a 78 pointer in american shad.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Don't know if any of you guys fish La Cygne very much but if you go there any time soon the lake is pretty low and there are several stumps visible that would normally be under water. Some of these stumps are a long way from the bank and in places where someone may run their boat. The fishing was really good despite the wind last thursday. No big bass but lots of nice wipers and you could have filled a boat with white bass at the outlet. It was an expensive day though, I was catching fish on a strike king king shad and broke or lost 4 of them. At 20 bucks apiece, that hurts :'( , but you don't buy them to just sit in your tackle box right?
skunked_again reply :
QuoteDon't know if any of you guys fish La Cygne very much but if you go there any time soon the lake is pretty low and there are several stumps visible that would normally be under water. Some of these stumps are a long way from the bank and in places where someone may run their boat. The fishing was really good despite the wind last thursday. No big bass but lots of nice wipers and you could have filled a boat with white bass at the outlet. It was an expensive day though, I was catching fish on a strike king king shad and broke or lost 4 of them. At 20 bucks apiece, that hurts :'( , but you don't buy them to just sit in your tackle box right?
ya we fished there today. the fishing was spotty but not bad. ill probably go to Melvern next time though....
Bluebasser86 reply :
I didn't do any good in the river, all my fish were on the main lake with the outlet being the best area by far. I caught fish around the island and along the bank by the island. I caught fish on spinnerbaits, swimbaits, rage craws, XR50 rattlebaits, and tubes. It wasn't a really fast bite anywhere other than the outlet and a lot of those fish were white bass and wipers but it's better than nothing! I'd like to get back to melvern one more time this year but work may mess that plan up.
Fishes in trees reply :
I got to go fishing yesterday, 11/5 at Indian Creek Lake in Livingston County. Water temp has dropped about ten degrees over the past week. Last week - low 60's. This week - low 50's. It was chilly. Weather report said there was a high of 50 - but I don't believe it. I had on polypro/wool long underwear, heavy wool socks, and a polar fleece suit over that. Once I got on the water - I had to go to Frogg Toggs to stop the wind.
I have a heavy duty suit og Cabelas Guide Wear but I dsidn't throw it in the truck because I didn't think it would be so cold. Next week I bet I remember the Guide wear.
Fishing sucked. Only touched 4 fish all day all on different baits in different parts of the lake. At one point, 2:30 or so in the afternoon I missed several hits on wacky senkos in bushes 6 to 8 feet down. They hit and ran with it but I missed on hookset. The whole baitfish in the back of coves thing hasn't happened at all for me this year and I don't know why. I'm going next week and take another shot - maybe should the water temps stabilize at 50 or so for a while, fishing will pick up.
skunked_again reply :
fished Hillsdale yesterday. wind kicked our butts. boated 13 bass, 3 walleye. on a side note, the wind was the only reason we caught fish IMO.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Wow, 13 bass from Hillsdale. That's a pretty day anytime I've been out there!
Fishes in trees reply :
Long range fishing report for Friday 11/19 calls for partly sunny, high of 52, a couple of days after a rainy afternoon Weds. 11/17. I'm going fishing - don't know where yet - probably Chillicothe. Didn't go last week because I'm a wimp and I didn't want to mess with the all day off and on rain.
Chris311 reply :
New to the board just moved back to Overland Park from ATL! Fished Lacynge last month with my neighbor Aron. Caught all fish on susp. jerk baits in 6 to 8 feet of water. Total of 15 in less than 5 hours. Was the Saturday before Christmas. Looking to go maybe this Sunday if the wind stays away! Any other crazy winter fishermen out there??
Bluebasser86 reply :
I would fit into that group! I fish all winter long as long as the water stays soft, the wind isn't blowing really hard, and the highs make it over about 25. I fish La Cygne and Wolf Creek just depending on the wind and where the bite is supposed to be going! La Cygne had more ice on it than I've ever seen last Monday. The main ramp in Linn County park was iced in and the ice line went about straight across the lake from there. Water at the outlet just barely hit 40, highest temp I saw was 46 along the rock bank by the island for some reason?
Chris311 reply :
I was told by a guy I see out at La Cygne all the time that they are not discharging very much hot water right now. Does anyone know if there is a schedule of some kind for the power plant? The day we fished air temp was 27 and the water at the outlet was 48-50 in spots.
Bluebasser86 reply :
You can call Linn County Parks and probably get that information. I'm not sure what the number is but I'm sure you could find it online or go to Kansas Department of Wildlifes website, it's listed there under La Cygnes fishing report. The water at the outlet was only 40 degrees Monday and if they haven't picked up since then there may not be a boatramp open right now. The only one open Monday was the one straight across from the outlet that is extremly shallow right now. I had to use my trolling motor for the first 100 yards before I could even put my big motor down far enough to motor the rest of the way over. The warmest water I saw all day was 46 degrees.
Chris311 reply :
The Marina # is 913 757 6633. Sweetest ladies working there but they dont provide much details!
Chris311 reply :
BlueBasser PM sent!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Tore them up at Wolf Creek today. Final count was 32 crappie, 30 largemouth, 29 white bass, 1 smallmouth, and 1 catfish. It was one of those rare days out there with no wind and this warm day really turned them on. There was another boat catching whites almost every cast but I got tired of unhooking them while trying not to get hooked . I got my 2 fish limit of crappie over 14 inches, crazy how many big crappie are in that lake.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
QuoteTore them up at Wolf Creek today. Final count was 32 crappie, 30 largemouth, 29 white bass, 1 smallmouth, and 1 catfish. It was one of those rare days out there with now wind and this warm day really turned them on. There was another boat catching whites almost every cast but I got tired of unhooking them while trying not to get hooked
I'm jealous. :-[ The most I've done this winter is read BR forum and re-organize tackle. Great job man!!
Chris311 reply :
Man thats sweet! Where you crankin or jiggin?
Bluebasser86 reply :
The bass were almost all on spinnerbaits, flukes, pointers. The whites were mostly on an excaliber XR50 rattlebait. The crappies were all on minnows or a berkley power minnow jigging in 9 feet of water.
Roseypike reply :
QuoteYou can call Linn County Parks and probably get that information. I'm not sure what the number is but I'm sure you could find it online or go to Kansas Department of Wildlifes website, it's listed there under La Cygnes fishing report. The water at the outlet was only 40 degrees Monday and if they haven't picked up since then there may not be a boatramp open right now. The only one open Monday was the one straight across from the outlet that is extremly shallow right now. I had to use my trolling motor for the first 100 yards before I could even put my big motor down far enough to motor the rest of the way over. The warmest water I saw all day was 46 degrees.
Bluebasser the water temp at 6:00 pm on Sunday evening (1/16) was 58 degrees at the outlet and 50 on the flat west of the outlet. The fish were going crazy on both Saturday and Sunday.
Then I went back Monday (1/17) late morning and the temp had dropped to 40 degrees in just that short period of time. Crazy. We did catch a few fish, but they were in 45 degree water west of the outlet. When the entire plant shuts off, the water running down the canal is COLD, and it makes that warm water arm cold. You can usually "chase" warmer water as you move west towards the island and marina.
I've had an incredible winter fishing Lacygne so far, but the inconsistent power generation makes it more of a crap shoot than normal years.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The last couple times I've been to La Cygne was on a monday or tuesday and they weren't generating at all so the water was cold and the fish were not biting well at all. It's still better than sitting at home though ;D. I have caught more numbers of fish this winter at La Cygne than recent years but the big fish have not been there for me.
kbenn reply :
Can't wait to go!
skunked_again reply :
i bet La Cygne boat ramps are iced out.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Supposed to be a big warm up on the way next week. I hope they're right because I've got a couple days of fishing coming up just don't have a destination picked yet! ;D
skunked_again reply :
QuoteSupposed to be a big warm up on the way next week. I hope they're right because I've got a couple days of fishing coming up just don't have a destination picked yet! ;D
Coffey supposed to be red hot right now.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I killed them down there a couple weeks ago but I'm thinking more like Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, or Bull Shoals, somewhere that is a little too far for a day trip since I've got a couple days to fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Drove across the dam at La Cygne tonight on the way home from Joplin. It was dark but as far as I could see the lake was frozen. :'( I've never seen that much ice on La Cygne, it was frozen all across the south end as far as the lights from the plant would go. The stacks weren't going on the way down there or the way back either. Anybody go down there with these warm days? Didn't want to drive my wife's car down there through the park to look at the ramp. My luck I'd end up with one of their pet deer on the hood! ;D
Roseypike reply :
I fished La Cygne both Friday and this morning (Sunday). Total fish counts were 16 largemouth and 12 chunky whites, and several of the largos were 18" or better. Water temp has been hovering around 50 degrees both by the outlet and near the north boat ramp cove.
The park ranger chainsawed a hole in the ice at the north boat ramp and there were about ten boats unloading when I left this morning. Talked to a friend who made it out in his boat and he said it was easy to launch, but a pain in the *** to get the boat out. He also said fishing was slow.
I've been wade fishing all winter long and it's almost as if I've had the whole lake to myself! That said, this weather will have the main boat ramp open in no time and I look forward to getting out in the boat soon! 8-)
See ya on the water.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Good info Roseypike! I'm heading to Wolf Creek tomorrow. I've whacked them the last couple times I"ve been out there and with the winds supposed to be pretty light and warm weather I'm hoping it won't be any different ;D. I still might try La Cygne on Tuesday though, maybe with the warm weather they will have turned on down there.
senile1 reply :
You Kansas guys are making me jealous. I think I'm going to have to get a non-resident license for Kansas for the year so I can fish these power plant lakes in the Winter. All of my waters have been iced over or the ramps are iced over. I hope this warming trend softens some of this water in a week or two.
Getfished reply :
Hey guys, new here to this forum. I am glad to locate some local guys and some local info.
I noticed for Wednesday my sources say the wind will be 15-25. When it is forecast that much do you still go to Wolf Creek? I need to get out and Wednesday is my only day this week.
Bluebasser86 reply :
If it's forcast above 15 I don't bother going to Wolf Creek. They will more than likely page you off the lake when it gets to 15 or above even though it says 20mph during the winter. It's not as bad if it's from the west or east but if it's from the north or south don't even try. I have never seen a lake get as rough as that lake does with almost no wind. Since it runs north to south and it's so flat around it the wind has nothing to slow it down. You could still try La Cygne but they haven't been generating much so that water isn't as warm as it normally is but the water is soft and better than sitting at home! ;D
Getfished reply :
Well, thanks for the feedback. Looks like I'll just spend the day in the barn making jigs. I'll give it a try one day next week.
Dougie De reply :
Hey guys enjoy La Cygne but it sucks to make an hour trip if the stacks are not blowing anyone know if they are? went Saturday 19TH very slow ,water was cold 54 @ outlet and 49 - 50 lakewide...
Chris311 reply :
Stack #1 is the main stack at Lacygne and it has been down for repairs for weeks and stack #2 has only been running at 50%. I was told stack #1 should be back up and running here shortly, what ever that means. If the wind is from the south that water pushes the fish out further if its blowing from the north it pushed them in closer. hope that helps!
Getfished reply :
It seems to me that a bit of research ought to turn up a contact where we can determine the La Cygne info before we make the trip. I like to fish the lake and as a matter of fact I caught my 2nd pb from there a few years back. I live about 15 miles north of Topeka and it sure would be nice knowing if they were generating or not before I drug the glitter sled all the way over there. With the daily changing gas prices I'll be not near so spontaneous when it comes to heading over that way.
Chris311 reply :
QuoteIt seems to me that a bit of research ought to turn up a contact where we can determine the La Cygne info before we make the trip. I like to fish the lake and as a matter of fact I caught my 2nd pb from there a few years back. I live about 15 miles north of Topeka and it sure would be nice knowing if they were generating or not before I drug the glitter sled all the way over there. With the daily changing gas prices I'll be not near so spontaneous when it comes to heading over that way.
You can call the Marina and they can tell if there is smoke or not coming from those stacks. 913 757 6633
Getfished reply :
OK Chris311, Thanks. I'll put the number in my directory right now. There is a small problem however. Sunday I was able to get my boat out of the garage and see my yard for the first time this year. Didn't last long. We got a mini blizzard goin on right now. It's a bona fide whiteout. I think they're calling for about 4" over here and everything is already blanketed again. At least I don't think it's gonna be another 9+ inches like the last three snows we had. It's getting old.
skunked_again reply :
im bout sick of snow. just saying.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Me too! I'll probably wander down to La Cygne on Tuesday to test the waters. Supposed to be pretty windy but it is in Kansas so what else can you expect? :
Chris311 reply :
I sat in my boat in the garage last night drank beer and watched it snow. My wife came outside and said its killin ya isnt it, I said can you hand me another beer please I am drinking away winter right now! Just looked at the weather for the weekend, it didnt work! Guess i need to drink some more beer in the boat tonight! Cheers!
Bluebasser86 reply :
This snow should go away pretty fast with the rain and warm weather we are supposed to have coming! We can't be far from spring. Trout seasons are coming up at Shawnee Mission and Wyco lakes if that jerks your frog. Until the bass start biting elsewhere I'll be headed to La Cygne!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to La Cygne today and fought the wind and not much else. My buddy caught the only bass of the day, a 10 incher on a rattletrap and only whitebass of the day on the same thing. I had 2 bass bites, both on a trick worm on a shakey head on the rock banks by the mouth of the river. One tapped it and dropped it, missed the other one. It hit in less than a foot of water so I'm sure it wasn't very big. I did manage about a 10pound flathead at the outlet on a jigging spoon. Several boats, nobody catching anything. Stacks weren't going all day and water was really muddy from recent rains. Temp at the outlet was 56 degrees by noon, I would have rather stayed home and slept.
Chris311 reply :
QuoteWent to La Cygne today and fought the wind and not much else. My buddy caught the only bass of the day, a 10 incher on a rattletrap and only whitebass of the day on the same thing. I had 2 bass bites, both on a trick worm on a shakey head on the rock banks by the mouth of the river. One tapped it and dropped it, missed the other one. It hit in less than a foot of water so I'm sure it wasn't very big. I did manage about a 10pound flathead at the outlet on a jigging spoon. Several boats, nobody catching anything. Stacks weren't going all day and water was really muddy from recent rains. Temp at the outlet was 56 degrees by noon, I would have rather stayed home and slept.
I think I know what that means!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Any of you guys do the early season walleye fishing at Hillsdale? I'd like to catch a big one and it seems like Hillsdale is about the most consistent place to get a big one. I know most guys catch them on jerkbaits/minnowbaits early in the year at night but has anyone done it themselves? Thanks in advance for any help.
Chris311 reply :
Pink Jig head with a lime green plastic jerk bait is the only thing I have caught them on at Hillsdale. Never at night tho!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I won't be fishing for them at night, I've just heard that's when the guys that do it fish for them sometimes. I've caught some out of there jigging for them but I've never tried early in the year for the big ones, just not sure how early I should be trying to go out there for the big ones?
Chris311 reply :
Sunday March 6th Lacygne. Fished from Noon til 515pm. All fish caught on crankbaits. Dock temp 48, spillway 58.8.
Getfished reply :
Woww! Those are sweet pic. It is so raining/snowing right now I could just explode. I'm going Friday if it's the last thing I do. Thanks for posting.
ATCman1218 reply :
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and just recently moved to south Overland Park from the Missouri side. Thought I would see if I could get some advice on good fishing spots close to me. Unfortunately I don't have a boat so they have to be bank accesible spots. Thanks for any help!
Chris311 reply :
QuoteHey guys, I'm new to the forum and just recently moved to south Overland Park from the Missouri side. Thought I would see if I could get some advice on good fishing spots close to me. Unfortunately I don't have a boat so they have to be bank accesible spots. Thanks for any help!
Shoot me your contact info through PM!
ATCman1218 reply :
QuoteShoot me your contact info through PM!
I can't PM. It says I need a minimum post count of 10.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Not really any very good bank fishing spots around here. Best be is to go to Wal-Mart and pick up, or get online and download the FISH atlas. It is basically a map and description of a whole bunch of public fishing waters in Kansas. There is a bunch of public ponds in Johnson County but I've fished a bunch of them and I don't think some of them even have bass in them! Also make sure you get your Johnson County fishing permit, you need it to fish several of the listed bodies of water and they don't really give breaks if you're fishing without one.
Getfished reply :
A Johnson County fishing permit ? Is that right? You mean when you fish in Johnson County you not only have to have a state fishing license but a Johnson County fishing permit also? How much does that cost ? WOW !
Bluebasser86 reply :
Depends, if you live in Johnson County it cost 9 dollars I think, out of county is around 25 or so. Then you have to get a boat permit that's another 15 or so dollars in county or 30 out of county. It's the same thing with Wyandotte County, I just paid 100 dollars to get my county fishing permit, boat sticker, and trout permit. If you have more than one boat you want to take out there you have to buy another boat sticker. So if you have a bass boat for you to fish from and then a pontoon for your family you get stuck twice.
Chris311 reply :
Man I never heard of a Johnson County Fishing Lic. I take my little guy fishing at some of the local ponds by our house, ooops!
Chris311 reply :
QuoteQuoteShoot me your contact info through PM!
I can't PM. It says I need a minimum post count of 10.
email me chrisschauer@hotmail.com
ks cranker reply :
QuoteMan I never heard of a Johnson County Fishing Lic. I take my little guy fishing at some of the local ponds by our house, ooops!
Not sure what lakes require the Johnson County Lic other then Shawnee Mission and Kill Creek. Those two are run by the County and not KDWP... Also have to have a special tag for the boat at those two lakes...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Most of the smaller ponds and lakes I don't think you need the permit but if there is a sign for Johnson County Parks around it I would make sure to have one. I know I go out to Mill Creek to fish for catfish sometimes and have seen park police riding bikes down the path. If you get a fish atlas it will tell you which ones you need to have the permit and which ones you don't I believe.
ATCman1218 reply :
QuoteMost of the smaller ponds and lakes I don't think you need the permit but if there is a sign for Johnson County Parks around it I would make sure to have one. I know I go out to Mill Creek to fish for catfish sometimes and have seen park police riding bikes down the path. If you get a fish atlas it will tell you which ones you need to have the permit and which ones you don't I believe.
Thanks for the info. If I fish any of those lakes I'll make sure to get a permit before I go. That's pretty crazy that they make you have a county permit on top of your state permit! But that's Johnson county for you :
Chris311 reply :
Fished Lacynge Sat and Sun. Sat 3 fish and Sun got 2 fish, real slow going! Wind from NE was no help!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to La Cygne today and it was tough in the wind and snow but still got some good fish! First fish of the morning was a 4 or 5 pound wiper that about got my brand new jerkbait if I didn't get my drag loosened any faster.
We caught a few more small ones before I stuck a good bass on the same jerkbait. She fought as hard as any bass I can ever remember catching and was leaking eggs when I took the picture. I wish you could see that it was snowing pretty hard in the picture.
My scale needs new batteries but at 23 inches long and fat she's at least 6 probably closer to 7. Next good fish was another wiper almost the same as the first that I didn't take a picture off. After terrorizing some buffalo for a little while with jigging spoons we hit the same spot I caught my big bass. Got another fat one on the same jerkbait while my buddy was catching a dink on a shakeyhead. This one was in the 4-5 pound range. I held his for the pictures too for comparison.
We were only averaging about a fish an hour but at least we made some of them count!
Roseypike reply :
Beautiful fish Bluebasser! Good job (I assume) on the releases as well!
My buddy and I fished Lacygne on Saturday and despite a bunch of tournament fishermen we did pretty well. Ended up with 12 largos, six whites and two wipers. My buddy only caught two of the bass, but they were 19" and 21" respectively. That's why I love Lacygne! I did get a 21" wiper so I can't complain. Most of the bass were 14-18" and we were fishing the "coldwater" part of the lake where water temps were ranging between 47 and 50 degrees. I'll be out there tomorrow and Wednesday either in a boat or wading various locales. Gotta love spring break!
Chris311 reply :
Nice fish Blue!! I have a score to settle with Lacygne, I got my arse kicked Sunday!
skunked_again reply :
13 crappie at kill creek today in about 30 mins. its a start.
Getfished reply :
Those are some great fish. I can't seem to get organized enough to get over there. I did make it over to Alma Fri. and fought the wind. We picked up 8 on sticks but no toads like yours.
Bluebasser86 reply :
QuoteThose are some great fish. I can't seem to get organized enough to get over there. I did make it over to Alma Fri. and fought the wind. We picked up 8 on sticks but no toads like yours.
You ever catch any smallies out of Alma? KDWP website says they're in there but I couldn't catch any and my dad has fished it several times and says he can't remember ever catching any. It looks like it could be a good smallmouth lake. It does have some really healthy largemouth though!
Getfished reply :
we always seem to get one in the cove by the dam on the deep side. We didn't get one this time though. The fish are definitely healthy there. I've been too busy to fish and it's driving me nuts.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Killcreek for a couple hours before work today from 1pm to 3pm. Caught 14 bass and 1 crappie, nothing very big but still fun. Almost all of the bass were caught on pointers with a few on a spinnerbait. Had a few come off and missed a few also. By the dam and in front of the island seemed to be best. All my spinnerbait fish were from the small pond on the other side of the culvert on the south end.
skunked_again reply :
the crappie eggs were just starting to get bloody. in a week or so they should be going crazy.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Miami State Lake with a friend and his son yesterday and fought the wind. Caught a lot of fish but they were lacking the size that lake usually produces. Lots of 8-14 inch fish and some even smaller. I had one on a 78 pointer shorter than the bait by probably an inch. Most of them were on jerkbaits except for a few on spinnerbaits and a couple on cranks. We all caught some fish though so it was a pretty decent day. We tried fishing for crappie also but even with minnows under a bobber we couldn't catch any. I guess when a game warden says there aren't many in the lake you should take their word for it .
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Wyandotte County Lake yesterday to see if the bass had started biting out there. First cast I had a nice smallmouth chase my jerkbait to the boat. A few casts later I boated my first Wyco smallmouth of the year.
Next casts I caught a small largemouth and then I went back to where the first smallmouth chased my bait and threw a different jerkbait and got him.
Caught a few more before my friend meet me at the ramp and quickly caught his first Wyco bass of the year.
The bass weren't biting great but the trout were going nuts. It didn't take me long to get my limit.
Wind was terrible but at least we got out there and caught a few!
skunked_again reply :
kill creek is getting hot. was able to catch fish from the bank with ease.
Bluebasser86 reply :
What are you getting them on at killcreek? I might go out there before work for a couple hours tomorrow if I don't have to work overtime tonight.
Chris311 reply :
Blue thats some fine looking table fare you have there! The one on the left is a pig!
Bluebasser86 reply :
They put some pretty big ones in Wyandotte every spring. I've had a few over 4 pounds out of there. I don't eat them but some of the guys I work with act like they just won the lottery when you bring them some trout fillets.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Kill Creek before work yesterday from noon to 2:45. Had 18 bass, 2 crappie, and 1 bluegill all on a 78 pointer. Bass were all pretty small like usual. One of my bigger ones might have gone 15 inches.
Biggest surprise of the day was the second crappie I caught. The picture doesn't do it justice but it had to be in the 13-15 inch range, I didn't know they made them that big out there!
I hope these next few cold days don't ruin what little progress the lakes have made around here. :-/
shaun_reid reply :
Hey gang,
Im new to the forum and came across it looking for spots to fish in or around the joco area. Im from Wichita but play baseball at Johnson County so am unfamiliar with the area fishing wise. Im really just needing some of you to point me in the right direction to catch some bass. I don't have my boat up here so that limits me on what I can do. We have tried a couple parks in the area but have had no luck really. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
skunked_again reply :
QuoteHey gang,Im new to the forum and came across it looking for spots to fish in or around the joco area. Im from Wichita but play baseball at Johnson County so am unfamiliar with the area fishing wise. Im really just needing some of you to point me in the right direction to catch some bass. I don't have my boat up here so that limits me on what I can do. We have tried a couple parks in the area but have had no luck really. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Kill%20Creek%20Park&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=6Y0&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=ivnscm&biw=1440&bih=746&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=il
thats a start.
Getfished reply :
QuoteHey gang,Im new to the forum and came across it looking for spots to fish in or around the joco area. Im from Wichita but play baseball at Johnson County so am unfamiliar with the area fishing wise. Im really just needing some of you to point me in the right direction to catch some bass. I don't have my boat up here so that limits me on what I can do. We have tried a couple parks in the area but have had no luck really. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Hey shaun, Welcome to this forum. I'm fairly new to this forum also. I'm originally from Wichita myself. I have been living up here north of Topeka since 2002. I can't help ya much on Joco lakes but are you living up there or in Wichita? I don't have my boat either for a few days and it's driving me nuts. Stick around. Lots of good info here.
Bluebasser, it's OK if you have to take a day off and give those fishies a break.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Get a Kansas fishing atlas from Wal-Mart or sporting goods store. It has almost all of the public water in the state in there with maps of the JOCO area ones along with the ones in your area. Killcreek is one of the best if you're stuck on the bank but make sure you get your Johnson county permit also. Gardner city lake, Olathe lake, and Cedar lake can be ok but they can be a huge waste of time also.
Getfished-I harassed the fish at Lake Lenexa Thursday with only 8 small ones to show for a couple hours effort. With me working evenings, having time before work everyday, and having a small jonboat that fits in the back of my truck I can go almost every day. Since I work in Gardner I have several options close to work too. This cold weather is going to put a damper on my plans for my weekend though. :'( Probably go move some deer stands and look for sheds and wish for warmer weather.
Getfished reply :
I hear ya Bluebasser about this weather. I've only been to Gardner twice but both time it was real good to me. I've been to a picnic at Kill creek but never fished it before. I can't get it out of my mind. It looks awesome. My boat is in for some service. I'm having fits with my website and that is taking all my time lately. Today I'm headed to KC to visit some friends and make a stop by BPS. There is only one item on the list and the baitmonkey better behave or I'll... I'll........... well I'll do the best I can. ;D
Chris311 reply :
Hey Blue is that still the voodoo???
Bluebasser86 reply :
Some of them were on the voodoo, some were on a 78 pointer, some were on a Bevy shad. All of the baits I was fishing were suspending baits. The trout were all caught on super secret squirrel stuff ;D.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Decided to go out today despite the crappy weather because it's still my day off so we were going fish either way. My buddy (kanasbassfisher08) met me and we headed out to Pleasonton East City Lake. I honesly wasn't hoping for much, maybe a few small ones and a day out of the house. We started by squeezing through into a small pond connected to the lake with a little clearer and warmer water. Chris started fast with a nice fish right at 4lbs on a spinnerbait. Picture did it no justice.
We caught a couple more small bass and a crappie before Chris stuck another good fish on a jig, this one was 4lbs 1oz
He was feeling pretty good about having a couple solid fish while all I had was a couple dinks. We left the pond for the main lake. Fished across the dam with no luck. I saw a swirl at the edge of a dead weed line. Tossed a spinnerbait to the spot twice and stuck this nice one. It went 5lbs 7oz.
I felt a little better to have a good one in the boat. A few casts later I stuck another one on a spinnerbait that was probably between 3 1/2 or 4lbs.
Fished along catching a small one once in awhile before we got to a small submerged island. I threw and Excaliber One Knocker across the edge of it and caught a nice wiper. Next casts I caught another bigger one.
The wind was terrible so we packed up and went to Pleasanton West City Lake. We caught a few small ones on spinnerbaits before I picked up my Excaliber One Knocker and caught a prespawn female that looked like she was about to pop! Wind was blowing to hard to weigh her but she was 5+ for sure.
I lost one more good one on a jig before we called it a day. Our biggest 5 would have been in the low to mid 20's. Awesome day for any day but really amazing considering the conditions!
retro basser reply :
Holy schmoley what a day.
Either I need to get south or this warm weekend needs to have done something to water temps.
Iv'e been to Leavenworth Co twice this season and the water's been in the low 50's but still the bite seems ice-cold.
Chris311 reply :
Fished Lacygne Saturday from 7am til 1pm, WT 70's, wind kicked up and every place I ran had 8 to 10 boats piled up in there. Must have been 40 trucks in the parking lot, one guy said they had 18 from one club fishing a tourny, Wind kicked up and it had 3 foot rollers. Gar and Drum where every place I fished!
skunked_again reply :
the way a hand full of us live within mins of each other it might not be the worst idea for us to meet up someplace easy like kill creek or lenexa and spend a day on the water. starting as soon as my boats fixed my father and i will fish every wednesday someplace.
something to kick around.
retro basser reply :
Hit the lake again last night and I did notice more fish suspending in 10 ft of water vs the 15 or so i've seen them at in the past. Also got one good tap on crankbaits that i missed, and a dang good hit on a carolina rigged senko which somehow ended up under a tree limb a split second later. Wish i could have that one back and be paying better attention.
They're not agressive that's for sure, but i was kina expecting that since the cold front just passed through a day or so ago.
Power trim wont go up now, so maybe the week it will probably take for me to fix that will distract me long enough to return to a feeding frenzy. I'm just wastin gas right now..
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/12/2011 at 9:47 AM, skunked_again said:the way a hand full of us live within mins of each other it might not be the worst idea for us to meet up someplace easy like kill creek or lenexa and spend a day on the water. starting as soon as my boats fixed my father and i will fish every wednesday someplace.
something to kick around.
I'm in as long as my work schedule allows! It would be nice to actually meet some of the guys off of the board.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Melvern on Tuesday 4/12 with a friend. Weather was great and the fishing was about the same. We caught all three species of bass, white bass, crappie, catfish, and walleye. My friend had the biggest smallmouth of the day that went 3lbs and 3oz on a jerkbait.
One of my biggest was also on a jerkbait.
A couple more smallmouth.
My pair of keeper 'eyes on jerkbaits.
Love this lake! Just wish it was a little closer!
Chris311 reply :
I am guessing you kept the Eyes for yourself and didnt give em away like the trout?? Like the smallys also!!
Getfished reply :
Wow ! Those are great pics. Nice fish. I've been so busy and couldn't get back on after the site upgrade. Finally figured out what the issue was. LOL .
I was over to Perry Wednesday and picked up a limit of specs from the bank.
Thursday I went back and picked up my boat and couldn't get any numbers on account of the wind and the front coming in but did manage a little fodder for the pond.
Sounds like you guys are talking bout a get together ? If it is open for all I'd be interested in meeting some of the guys on here also.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/15/2011 at 11:35 PM, Chris311 said:I am guessing you kept the Eyes for yourself and didnt give em away like the trout?? Like the smallys also!!
I gave the trout to my buddy that went with me, I'm not a big fish eater. I'll keep a walleye for myself now and then but I usually give them away to someone else that will get more enjoyment out of them than I do. We had a blast catching those smallmouths! They were slamming those jerkbaits and pulling like freight trains! I'm hoping to maybe get back there Tuesday if the weather cooperates!
retro basser reply :
Bass finally happened this Sunday. Touchdown Jesus!
I noticed that the water temps finally hit 60 pretty much all across the lake at leavenworth and Mr. Bass was holding to cover much closer to the bank and shallower, at least during mid-day.
I'm also thinking maybe part of why I havent had as much luck until Sunday is because i havent gotten out there till after 5 the other times and missed that nice 1-3PM warm part of the day. I wonder if that's a real key early in the season.
I had almost instant success with a senko i let tumble down a rocky point, then I got clever, decided this was the day, and tried a whole bunch of other lures, wasted all sorts of time experimenting. Of course I didnt catch anything till I went right back to the senko. you guys ever have those days?
It was good to have something work and feel like the season is here.
Cant wait to hit it again.
Chris311 reply :
Getfished nice slabs!!
I went to Hillsdale to see what was cooking Sunday. WT 56-57, One bass about 2 pounds, one catfish by mistake around 3 pounds all on live bait, got board and trolled for a while and we where nailing white bass in 12 to 20 feet of water on rapala's green and white and purple and white.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/19/2011 at 12:23 AM, Chris311 said:Getfished nice slabs!!
I went to Hillsdale to see what was cooking Sunday. WT 56-57, One bass about 2 pounds, one catfish by mistake around 3 pounds all on live bait, got board and trolled for a while and we where nailing white bass in 12 to 20 feet of water on rapala's green and white and purple and white.
Anyone catching any walleye while you were out there? We caught a couple at Melvern Sunday but man that wind was terrible and the fishing was pretty slow too. I've been wanted to go down there but the bad thing is if the walleye aren't biting then there isn't much to fall back on. Those are some pretty healthy looking whites it looks like!
Chris311 reply :
On 4/19/2011 at 2:47 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone catching any walleye while you were out there? We caught a couple at Melvern Sunday but man that wind was terrible and the fishing was pretty slow too. I've been wanted to go down there but the bad thing is if the walleye aren't biting then there isn't much to fall back on. Those are some pretty healthy looking whites it looks like!
Thats what went there for using live minnows but never could find the bite, fished Hillsdale point and ran all the way into the back on the other side of the bridge of Gardner Road, what a beeatch getting out of that heck hole with the wind blowing and no channel markers to go by! I did not see anyone catch any walley most where crappie fishing in the trees or by the Antioch boat ramp. On the way in I picked up a patch of whites on the FF and the troll was on!
Of course there was a guy at the boat ramp that told us about his 27 and 30 incher he caught last weekend!!
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
On 4/19/2011 at 2:47 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone catching any walleye while you were out there? We caught a couple at Melvern Sunday but man that wind was terrible and the fishing was pretty slow too. I've been wanted to go down there but the bad thing is if the walleye aren't biting then there isn't much to fall back on. Those are some pretty healthy looking whites it looks like!
I will second the wind on Melvern on Sunday. Wow!!!
Almost had a disaster in the dam around 10:30 with that "hurricane" that whipped through. Wind was pushing us into the rocks and the trolling motor prop was coming out of the water so it was pretty much usesless.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/19/2011 at 10:00 PM, Chris311 said:Thats what went there for using live minnows but never could find the bite, fished Hillsdale point and ran all the way into the back on the other side of the bridge of Gardner Road, what a beeatch getting out of that heck hole with the wind blowing and no channel markers to go by! I did not see anyone catch any walley most where crappie fishing in the trees or by the Antioch boat ramp. On the way in I picked up a patch of whites on the FF and the troll was on!
Of course there was a guy at the boat ramp that told us about his 27 and 30 incher he caught last weekend!!
A friend of mine who used to fish the PWT caught an 8 1/2 pounder down there a week or two ago on a rattletrap. He swears there's nothing to it, just go to the dam and throw cranks until you get a bite. My luck I'd be there all day tossing cranks and never get bit.
On 4/20/2011 at 2:18 AM, KU_Bassmaster. said:I will second the wind on Melvern on Sunday. Wow!!!
Almost had a disaster in the dam around 10:30 with that "hurricane" that whipped through. Wind was pushing us into the rocks and the trolling motor prop was coming out of the water so it was pretty much usesless.
We stayed pretty much to the south side of the lake by the dam but I decided to try the dam around 2pm since nobody was on it. Usually it seems like the waves bounce off the dam and you get an area of almost slack water because of the waves and rebounding waves hitting each other. That was not the case Sunday. I had a couple waves that came over the front of the boat a little bit and that was all I wanted to deal with. Wasn't catching much off the dam anyways. Did you do any good down there? It was slow but steady all day for us.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
No it was slow for us too, I think the most we caught in the same general area was 2. Had 6 total for the day. Everything was very small. I did have one come unbuttoned near the boat that I believe was a little better fish, but aren't they all. Had several pretty good hits on crankbaits, but could never get hooked up. All but one were caught on jigs.
Chris311 reply :
Went to Hillsdale Saturday with my son looking for Bass and Walleye but we ran into large White Bass thick! WT 57 all caught on rattle trap 1/2 oz blue gil color. Cooler pic is of some of the larger Whites, the crappie in the pic measured 11 inches. Was a great day my son ended up with 3 bandaids!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/26/2011 at 12:07 AM, Chris311 said:Went to Hillsdale Saturday with my son looking for Bass and Walleye but we ran into large White Bass thick! WT 57 all caught on rattle trap 1/2 oz blue gil color. Cooler pic is of some of the larger Whites, the crappie in the pic measured 11 inches. Was a great day my son ended up with 3 bandaids!!
Those are some nice whites Chris! That's great that you were able to get your son in on some fishing like that!
Getfished reply :
Hey Chris. your son won't forget that day. Those whites are great action. My crappie bite fell off the last 10 days. Anyway I haven't looked for em since this weather got funky. I went out this morning for a short while. I forgot my sweatshirt so I was back home by 10:30. It was cold and blustery and to top it off I had a wire switched on my batteries and could only get 12 volts. What a pain ! I did manage to get 3 bites but only one worth admiring.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/28/2011 at 7:56 AM, Getfished said:Hey Chris. your son won't forget that day. Those whites are great action. My crappie bite fell off the last 10 days. Anyway I haven't looked for em since this weather got funky. I went out this morning for a short while. I forgot my sweatshirt so I was back home by 10:30. It was cold and blustery and to top it off I had a wire switched on my batteries and could only get 12 volts. What a pain ! I did manage to get 3 bites but only one worth admiring.
Nice fish! Where'd you get her at?
Getfished reply :
On 4/28/2011 at 3:08 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Nice fish! Where'd you get her at?
Banner Creek. The water there is still 51 degrees.
Chris311 reply :
Thanks guys!! It was one of those days where the big man up stairs smiled on us!!! We where the only boat fishing the dam. My son has been fishing with me since he was 2, so now at 6 he is an old pro!!
Getfished if your only gonna get a few bites thats the way they should look!!!!
slowpoke274 reply :
took my nephews to george owens today the bucks are starting to lock in on the nests so they both got a taste of sight fishing today they are for sure hooked now. they both caught four each in as many hours nothing too big 13 to 14 inchers but fun none the less cant wait for them to get a shot at some big females when they make the move
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
That's good to hear. Just in time for my week off. I try to plan it that way, but thought I might be a little early this year with all this cold weather. I did see one on Saturday at Lone Star, but he was not very locked on. Usually by this time of year they are everywhere.
Getfished reply :
I looked for em on the bank Sunday but no go. I moverd out to about 6-8 ft. and bam ! My wife was first and then I picked up 2 more. I was using a 6" Blue Tightlines UV Hog. Put it on the bottom and leave it there. I absolutely suck at this type of fishing. I'm always in a hurry.
It ended up being a pretty good day.
slowpoke274 reply :
its a small pond maybe half an acre so it warms early but they are definitely making the move its closed on mondays but im taking the boys back tomorrow so they can catch some more waiting for bowlin road pond to turn on now there are some trout fed monsters in that one about two weeks ago when we had thse warmer sunny days i saw two that were for sure 8 to 9 lbs each cruising but couldnt get them to hit anything when it turns on tjen i know the strip pits in clinton will be ripe for the picking i love the spawn best fishing of the year
Chris311 reply :
Jake and i went back to our honey hole Saturday, great weather, a few more boats than last time but they where on the crappie bite. Fished the same set up as last time, 10 nice whites and a 19 inch Walley for our efforts. WT 61.9 all caught on the same crank bait, will post a pic, maybe time to replace this one!! NOT!!
Jet Skis and circle drivers showed up about 2pm!
retro basser reply :
That's awesome Chris. You can tell he's gettin a big kick out of it.
My daughter loves to tell me you can catch 6 fish on double treble hooks...not sure I'm ready to trust her with one on her rod though
Jet-skiiers remind me of the cast of jersey shore.
Chris311 reply :
On 5/10/2011 at 3:51 AM, retro basser said:Jet-skiiers remind me of the cast of jersey shore.
Thats funny!! This one guy just kept going back and fourth as fast as he could go, then a guy pulling a tube showed up and then the 30 foot Baja and a jet boat, and was like time to pack it on this spot!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've been staying a little closer to home lately trying to save money for a trip my wife and I are about to take. I've been to Olathe lake twice and Cedar Lake once. Olathe hasn't been a bad to me as usual, I've managed to catch over 10 fish each trip which is kind of my benchmark for a good day on that lake. Nothing big, an 18" fish was the biggest so far. Cedar was better to me than usual also, fished for 2 1/2 hours and caught 9. All of them were solid fish over 15" up to 18". I don't ever feel like I've figured anything out on these lakes, just managed to catch a few this time. Seems like I catch them on something different everytime I go. Anyone else fish these lakes that regularly does well or are these lakes just always hit or miss?
Chris311 reply :
Saturday was a complete wash out, Hillsdale looked like the east coast of florida, only thing missing was surfers! Went Sunday with a buddy to his honey hole, fished out of a 8 foot bass hound, here a few pics of the nicer ones, all fish caught on a KVD square bill crankbait 2.5 tenn shad color.
retro basser reply :
Seems like the waves were always a little bigger in the old bass hound I used to have too. It was kinda fun if you can keep your stuff organized.
See it's interesting to me you guys are getting them on the cranks so often. Either my cranks suck, i'm not presenting well, or my lake they arent quite as agressive (yet?). It seems more of my fish have been on plastics fished slow or smaller presentations like swimming a 3' grub. It seems more redear sunfish will hit a crank but the bass need to grow a pair and chase something down.
What depths are you targeting? Are you finding a likely spot and hitting them till they see it or just normal search fishing?
I might try lonestar instead, this leavenworth lake might see more than it's fair share of pressure. I never have very good luck on big water it seems or I'd try Perry.
Chris311 reply :
Retro, The bass hound was my buddys he keeps at his honey hole.
As for your question on crankbaits, I just try and match the hatch of the bait fish (color of crankbait), if the water is colder I just slow up my retrieve with the crankbait. If I am in 10 feet of water I am fishing any where from 5 feet to the bottom. Even better if I can bounce the crankbait off of cover or rocks.
As for a quality crankbait I will spend any where from $3 to $12 on one. When you see them on sale get as many as you can afford. Cabelas had Yo-Zuri crankbaits reduced from $12 to $2.99 a while back and Bass Pro had those KVD's for $2.99 from $5.99. I just wish those Spro Little Johns would go on sale!!!!!
retro basser reply :
Hey Chris, thanks for getting back
That sounds like a good way to go with the cranks. I might be fishing a little deeper than that too often. I'll try to get 'er in close to the bank so I can hit bottom and structure more. Come to think of it they probably resemble a crawfish real well sifting through the mud on the bottom.
I loaded up on those yo-zuri's too. They're cool looking lures for sure. I got a bunch of the deep divers and a kinda neat pin-minnow that would be fun to throw ultralight sometime.
I think I'm not taking enough chances getting in close and risking getting hung up. Even if I bought it on sale I still kick myself for losing a $12 retail lure. Fishing shouldnt have to be a rich-man's sport if you ask me.
Plus my lake has Curlyleaf pondweed in most shallow areas but i think i'm going to find a couple spots where I can smash bottom with a crank
Thanks,
Chris311 reply :
Fished Hillsdale Saturday 7am until 1130am, WT 66 at the dam, wind picked up at a steady 18 mph, one bass short at 16 inches, called it a day and went to the house! I got checked at the ramp by DNR, the officer gave me a warning for my letters said they where not visible at 25 feet. I thought it was kinda strange becasue I have been inspected three time prior once at Hillsdale last year and twice at Lacygne and no word was mentioned about my lettering. Oh well stopped at Bass Pro on the way home and for $6 fixed the problem! Here are the before and after letters, they are now 3-D white over blue! The old are the blue.
retro basser reply :
I got out there twice over the long weekend. In fact, I began and ended the Memorial day break on the water, Friday morning and Monday evening. Playing with fire both times kinda cause there was a storm rolling in at Leavenworth friday around noon and that wind on Monday at Lonestar was NO JOKE.
Water temp was 70-71 at both places. It was overcast on Friday with a that front coming in so I was pretty excited to be fishing. There were guys on some of my known spots so i struck out some new territory to see if i could locate em with a smoke grub or spinners....no such luck. I tried pitching a jig in tight to the bank just for the hell of it and was just about to give up on it but decided to go a little smaller (3/8oz) and with a light color (white w chartruse trailer). On the first drop a bass slammed it from the side. I was stoked since i was about to give up and have never caught one on a jig, plus it was damm near a keeper which is a good fish for me.
Monday was all about being out there. I shook off a little hangover the all-day bender the day before was kind enough to leave me with around 4 and headed out there. 25-35mph winds, gusts above that. It was wild. There is actually a ramp at lonestar that pretty much goes in due south, which is where the the wind was coming from, so it wasnt that bad considering what it coulda been. I stayed where it wasnt too windy, which wasnt great fishing but i didnt care. Caught a few fat bluegills but no bass. There were actually a ton of people fishing off the bank in good spots and they probably had a way better setup than someone on a boat. Good for them.
Chris I notice you hit Hillsdale alot. There are some really good maps for alot of KS lakes through a KU science department. Hillsdale got more of a full on report, but there is a good map on page 14 of this document, just so ya know:
Hillsdale Lake Survey
Chris311 reply :
Retro good stuff TY!!! I am making the move to Lacygne for the next few weeks, Hillsdale has the run abouts and Jet Skis all over by 1130am now!
flipinstick88 reply :
Finally tagged my little 10' boat and got it out to Miami SFL last Sunday. Had a good day despite the high winds. Caught about 20 fish between 10 - 18 inches. Most came on crankbaits, but got one on a spinnerbait and a few of plastics. I plan to go to Cedar Lake in Olathe this weekend!
Bluebasser86 reply :
retro-don't feel bad about not doing good at Leavenworth. I can usually go out there and come away with a bunch of dinks at least. What made it worst is I took my father-in-law and brother-in-law with me because I thought for sure they could catch some fish also. Well about 4 hours into it we had managed maybe 10 dinks (less than 12" fish") on several techniques. I couldn't believe how bad the fishing was and other than a 3 or 4 pound wiper that smacked my jerkbait, we caught nothing even big enough to put up a fight on anything other than ultralight tackle. It's pretty sad to see how far downhill that lake has gone. When it re-opened it was amazing. I guess all the catch and keep fishermen and the lack of patrolling the lake has really taken it's toll.
Busy reply :
On 6/5/2011 at 6:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:retro-don't feel bad about not doing good at Leavenworth. I can usually go out there and come away with a bunch of dinks at least. What made it worst is I took my father-in-law and brother-in-law with me because I thought for sure they could catch some fish also. Well about 4 hours into it we had managed maybe 10 dinks (less than 12" fish") on several techniques. I couldn't believe how bad the fishing was and other than a 3 or 4 pound wiper that smacked my jerkbait, we caught nothing even big enough to put up a fight on anything other than ultralight tackle. It's pretty sad to see how far downhill that lake has gone. When it re-opened it was amazing. I guess all the catch and keep fishermen and the lack of patrolling the lake has really taken it's toll.
Small lake gets a lot more pressure than it used to. It's in my backyard and all I'll do on it anymore is sit for catfish. Haven't fished it lately, too close to home to 'get out' and go fishing
retro basser reply :
Well, you could always work on impressing the Mother-in-Law
Actually it is good to have some confirmation i'm not (going) crazy out there. After seeing some of the fish you land it does make me feel better to know you gave it run and got the same basic results. I've thrown a good variety of rigs and lures at them this season as well and honestly it seems like senko's are about the only thing they hit with any regularity. But yeah, they are almost always dinks.
Also I've never seen any significant regulation, but I have seen some 'less than classy' types out there so I'll agree it's possible people are baggin the lil ones.
I really like the scenery up there but it might be time to consider moving on to bigger/different waters. I'm in North Lawrence so it's exactly the same distance to go to Perry... I think I might throw that into the mix too. It's alot bigger than the waters i'm used to but I once put my trusty ol basser in there and got up Rock Creek pretty easily. I might try that again. I'd love to hear if you guys know of any places to get off to a good start there.
Chris311 reply :
Went and fished La Cygne for 4 hours before the heat was just to much with my little guy Jake! One bass almost 6 and the largest crappie I have ever caught! WT 82 bass caught on shakey head and crappie on a chrome and blue crankbait.
retro basser reply :
@Patience
I do love the scenery and wildlife up there, Couple weeks ago Ihad a doe come down and drink from the lake 12 feet from me. Hell, we even saw what we think was a Golden Eagle one time last season nested in the NW wetland area at the top of the lake. Have one of those fly right over your head and you'll know what it feels like to be the prey.
Great country, wish it was bassy.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/6/2011 at 10:17 PM, retro basser said:Well, you could always work on impressing the Mother-in-Law
Actually it is good to have some confirmation i'm not (going) crazy out there. After seeing some of the fish you land it does make me feel better to know you gave it run and got the same basic results. I've thrown a good variety of rigs and lures at them this season as well and honestly it seems like senko's are about the only thing they hit with any regularity. But yeah, they are almost always dinks.
Also I've never seen any significant regulation, but I have seen some 'less than classy' types out there so I'll agree it's possible people are baggin the lil ones.
I really like the scenery up there but it might be time to consider moving on to bigger/different waters. I'm in North Lawrence so it's exactly the same distance to go to Perry... I think I might throw that into the mix too. It's alot bigger than the waters i'm used to but I once put my trusty ol basser in there and got up Rock Creek pretty easily. I might try that again. I'd love to hear if you guys know of any places to get off to a good start there.
I usually do my best in the marinas by the dam at Perry, you can fish them with about any size boat really because they're protected. There is one stretch of docks in the smaller west arm just past the bridge that holds good fish sometimes. The bridge rip-rap by Slough Creek bridge and then the standing timber up into Evans creek has good fish sometimes. I haven't fished up north very far but I did put in at Old Town one time and did pretty well. By far my best bait is a blackberry or blueberry colored baby brush hog but any dark colored soft plastic can be good. I've also done well with square bill cranks and occassionally spinnerbaits and buzzbaits.
retro basser reply :
Awesome! Thanks for the tips Blue, I'll check em out.
Now I'm all fired up to go fish Perry. Might try to snag a few wipers up there too I hear it's loaded with em.
skunked_again reply :
On 6/3/2011 at 3:04 PM, flipinstick88 said:Finally tagged my little 10' boat and got it out to Miami SFL last Sunday. Had a good day despite the high winds. Caught about 20 fish between 10 - 18 inches.
leave your crankbait rods at home.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Had a pretty good weekend this week. Started early Tuesday morning at Pleasanton City Lake West and got a 5lb 14oz fish.
Fried the fuse holder on my trolling motor so we had to go get a new one so we decided to hop over to Pleasanton City Lake East where I got a nice 19 1/2 incher that I forgot to weigh
Had a big grin because I was still busy giving my buddy a hard time for losing his LC RC 1.5 right before I set the hook on this fish. She was right on the edge of a weedline on the island and I caught her on a Havoc pit boss.
My biggest surprise was this morning. I decided to go out to Wyandotte County Lake to try to catch a few before it got too hot. I was just starting to think about heading home when I set the hook on what I thought was a drum. When she ran for the surface and I saw it was a smallmouth I started doing a bunch of begging for the fish to please stay hooked. She jumped 3 times despite me having my rod up to almost the top of the cork in the water. She ate a GP/chartruese tail BPS Stik-O on a shakeyhead in about 8 feet of water and weighed 4lbs 3oz, less than a pound from the lake record. 20.5 inches long and 13 inches around, measured her because I'm thinking I might want a replica done of her.
ks cranker reply :
On 6/9/2011 at 2:25 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Had a pretty good weekend this week. Started early Tuesday morning at Pleasanton City Lake West and got a 5lb 14oz fish.
Fried the fuse holder on my trolling motor so we had to go get a new one so we decided to hop over to Pleasanton City Lake East where I got a nice 19 1/2 incher that I forgot to weigh
Had a big grin because I was still busy giving my buddy a hard time for losing his LC RC 1.5 right before I set the hook on this fish. She was right on the edge of a weedline on the island and I caught her on a Havoc pit boss.
My biggest surprise was this morning. I decided to go out to Wyandotte County Lake to try to catch a few before it got too hot. I was just starting to think about heading home when I set the hook on what I thought was a drum. When she ran for the surface and I saw it was a smallmouth I started doing a bunch of begging for the fish to please stay hooked. She jumped 3 times despite me having my rod up to almost the top of the cork in the water. She ate a GP/chartruese tail BPS Stik-O on a shakeyhead in about 8 feet of water and weighed 4lbs 3oz, less than a pound from the lake record. 20.5 inches long and 13 inches around, measured her because I'm thinking I might want a replica done of her.
Nice Smallie!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Miami State Lake on Tuesday from about 5:30am-3:30pm. We caught well over 50 fish and I'd probably guess between 75-100 between the three of us. A jig caught us lots of fish and most of our bigger ones. Lots of fish on swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and a squarebill also. No monsters but tons of fish from 2 1/2-3 1/2 with one 4 even that I caught on a crankbait. The piers and the brush in the middle of the lake produced most of our fish but there was also lots of fish schooling and blowing up on shad in the middle of the lake. It's a rough trip out there but it was well worth the effort!
Chris311 reply :
On 6/17/2011 at 5:36 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished Miami State Lake on Tuesday from about 5:30am-3:30pm. We caught well over 50 fish and I'd probably guess between 75-100 between the three of us. A jig caught us lots of fish and most of our bigger ones. Lots of fish on swimbaits, spinnerbaits, and a squarebill also. No monsters but tons of fish from 2 1/2-3 1/2 with one 4 even that I caught on a crankbait. The piers and the brush in the middle of the lake produced most of our fish but there was also lots of fish schooling and blowing up on shad in the middle of the lake. It's a rough trip out there but it was well worth the effort!
Hows your thumb feeling?? Nice report!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
My thumbs doing alright, a little scratched up still but I'll survive. I've heard from others that have been to Miami lately that it has been hot! If you want to go somewhere that is easy to fish and catch a bunch of quality fish I would try to plan a trip there soon! It seems to me that getting there early is best because the topwater bite is usually pretty good and it gets a little tougher later in the day, like most lakes do.
skunked_again reply :
id go to Miami more but the gravel roads keep me away. tonight is the all night fishing at kill creek, the place has a great night bite.
Bluebasser86 reply :
It is some pretty nasty dirt roads getting out there. If you go to 359th street to Somerset you only have to be on dirt roads for about 4 or 5 miles. I just stop when I get to Somerset and put all my rods in the cab of the truck so I don't give them dust baths and go. With my aluminum boat I'm not really worried about trying to keep it shiny. 
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Kill Creek for a couple hours after I got off work this morning, man it was tough! Wind was blowing harder than they said it would be and more sun. Seems like it's always tough out there for me when it's sunny out. The wind was kicking my butt in my little jonboat, started just letting it float against stumps and flipping everything before I pushed off and fished another area. Tons of weeds, hard to even flip the deeper trees because of all the weeds. Just a couple light hits flipping jigs and plastics. All of the fish I caught were on cranks or traps and all pretty small. Think I'll stick to fishing out there when it's cloudy or late in the day.
skunked_again reply :
On 6/25/2011 at 11:05 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Went to Kill Creek for a couple hours after I got off work this morning, man it was tough! Wind was blowing harder than they said it would be and more sun. Seems like it's always tough out there for me when it's sunny out. The wind was kicking my butt in my little jonboat, started just letting it float against stumps and flipping everything before I pushed off and fished another area. Tons of weeds, hard to even flip the deeper trees because of all the weeds. Just a couple light hits flipping jigs and plastics. All of the fish I caught were on cranks or traps and all pretty small. Think I'll stick to fishing out there when it's cloudy or late in the day.
we fished there thursday and it was hard. 10 or so dinks and one ok fish. i did break off my leader on a hook set so ill just assume it was another 7 lbs fish. we were popping jigs through the weeds. going to Hillsdale in the morning.
Bluebasser86 reply :
That's a good solid fish for Kill Creek. I took a friend out there last year and he had a fish pull him down into a tree and break him off. We assumed it was a cat but I guess there is actually bass big enough to do that out there too. Good luck at Hillsdale, I've heard it has been tough, even tougher than usual.
Chris311 reply :
Fished Lacygne for 10 hours Sunday, one fish maybe 2 pounds at the very end of the day, threw everything in the tackle box, shaky head, cranks, jigs black and blue, I fished almost the entire lake even ran all the way back into the river, went home not very happy!!!
retro basser reply :
Man I had a couple paragraphs all written out on here last week, and I when I clicked 'post' the whole website crashed. This thing needs to quit going offline for days at a time. Something tells me this forum has been bought and sold a bunch of times and the last thing these guys care about is gettin' bassy.
I had a couple nice trips out to lonestar awhile back but my big motor is out so I gotta delay any big water fishing till i get a new part in the mail, which should be any day now...heres to hoping.
Maybe it was all the cold-fronts coming through making it tough out there but it sounds like the summer doldrums have kicked in huh?...guess i'll look deep and pray they are hungry when I get to chase em' again.
skunked_again reply :
fished Gardner Lake tonight. a lot of small fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished the Wednesday nighter at Wyandotte lake, took 1st for the 3rd week in a row. Those guys are going to stop letting me fish if I keep going like this! Getting the itch to make a Melvern run, anyone been or heard anything lately?
ks cranker reply :
On 6/30/2011 at 2:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished the Wednesday nighter at Wyandotte lake, took 1st for the 3rd week in a row. Those guys are going to stop letting me fish if I keep going like this!
What sort of weights have you been getting at Wyco?
I'm going to hit Melvern Saturday morning myself. I'm planning on getting there way before sunrise... hopefully I'll be rewarded with some big ol smallies!
When are you thinking of going?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Wyandotte is a tough lake with a lot of 14" fish. First week we won with 2 fish and 3.46 and had big bass with a 2.24lb fish. Last week we won with 3 fish and 5 pounds even, this week we won with 5.06lbs and 3 fish. It has been even tougher than usual out there with dirty water, post spawn transitions, and now the shad fry have hatched and have lots of fish roaming open water chasing shad. There are big fish in there, just hard to catch. I had a smallmouth about a month ago that went 4lbs 3oz and the big fish for the tournament so far this year was a 5.55lb largemouth.
At least there is supposed to be some cloud cover for you on Saturday, maybe it won't be quite so hot as it was today. If I go it will be on a Tuesday because that's my only full day off every week. I may get lucky and get down there on Monday for the holiday but I'm sure the lake will be rough with all the boaters so I'm not sure if I'll try to fish if I do get down there or not. Let me know how you do!
retro basser reply :
I got out to Lonestar last night from 4-8 and found a decent school in main water chasing bait and pulled a couple out with a rooster tail. Later I found them suspending around 12 feet just below the top of a main lake point...finally found a good use for a crankbait: casting to the other side of the point so it nicks the top before going over the heads of the bass. No keepers, but it was nice to be able to stay put for once and catch multiple bass out of one spot without them getting spooked.
Oddly the bite was best before 6PM while it was still pretty hot. Either they stopped or I wasnt figuring out what they wanted later on. It was a fun trip overall.
retro basser reply :
You guys are pretty quiet...hope a little heat with a 30% chance of death isn't keeping you off the lake.
I mixed up the strategy some and went out from 7PM - 2 last night. I gotta tell you it felt really good to log some serious hours on the water again. It's amazing how many advantages come with that little time shift over fishing 5-sundown: You get an hour to locate fish or work the shady side of the lake, then you get to fish the entire sundown thouroughly. Traffic both on the roads and on the lake works in your favor. Best of all the fish dont quit biting after dark. I got bit on crankbaits and was catching on a colorado bladed spinner after the sun was long gone.
I know this sounds crazy but I think i actually fished better having less vision. You dont realize how much of your cast is pure muscle-memory until you're slinging long casts basically blind and still hitting your spots. Your feeling is more in tune, you're listening better. Basically your not as distracted by what you can look around at and really paying attention to whats UNDER the surface.
This is all probably old news to alot of you guys but let me tell you as a guy who's never fished at night for anything but catfish: this did way more towards me becoming a better angler and was a hell of alot more fun.
I spent a good amount of time following deep-water contours trying to locate isolated cover, I couldnt shake the idea that there is a bass-city on some piece of cover 20-30 feet down. Call it a hunch, but I really think they are huddled together somewhere in huge numbers. The bass I did catch closer to shoreline were hitting agressive lures and fiesty. They've got the energy to fight, run, jump, and do any little dirty trick they can to spit that lure out.
It's good sport, I'll be going back for a night shift.
skunked_again reply :
fished Cedar from 11-3 today. it was hella hot BUT caught fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Perry Tuesday and had a pretty good day up until about noon when it got really hot. My friends first bass was 4 even.
About my 3rd one of the day was 4lbs 3oz.
We went to the marina by the dam and were fishing next to that and just about to hope on the dock to get a snack when a 4lb 7oz fish grabbed my shakey head. She dove under a cable but I somehow managed to finesse her back out even with 8lb test.
Had around 12 or 15 bass, 1 white, 2 flatheads, and of course a drum. Most fish were on either full sized or baby brush hogs or a trick worm on a shakeyhead.
skunked_again reply :
On 7/21/2011 at 4:10 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Went to Perry Tuesday and had a pretty good day up until about noon when it got really hot. My friends first bass was 4 even. About my 3rd one of the day was 4lbs 3oz. We went to the marina by the dam and were fishing next to that and just about to hope on the dock to get a snack when a 4lb 7oz fish grabbed my shakey head. She dove under a cable but I somehow managed to finesse her back out even with 8lb test. Had around 12 or 15 bass, 1 white, 2 flatheads, and of course a drum. Most fish were on either full sized or baby brush hogs or a trick worm on a shakeyhead.
my father and i have a running joke that says for the most part its not a fishing trip until we catch a drum. over the years weve boated some big drum. weve broke off a few drum at Clinton.
Bluebasser86 reply :
My friends swear I could catch a drum out of a mudpuddle and it feels like I could some days. I've caught them on cranks, jigs, traps, spoons, grubs, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and others. If I could get one to eat a topwater I think I would really feel a sense of accomplishment.
uptonfish reply :
Any of you guys been to Melvern in the past week or so? I'm heading there tomorrow, Wednesday, and thursday. Just wondering what depth the fish were at.
Bluebasser86 reply :
If anyone catches an I-phone in a black otterbox at Miami State lake let me know! I have the worst luck with phones. I had that thing for a whole 3 months before it took a dive out there Tuesday. Worst part is that it was my birthday present from my wife so not only did I loose my phone but my wife was mad at me for it. Fishing was alright out there, tons of small shad schooling and getting eaten. Most of my fish hit a black and purple jig along the piers or brushpiles or a black buzzbaits in the same places. I did have the biggest blowup I've ever had on a swimbait right next to the boat. Didn't see the fish but I'm thinking it had to be a catfish, either that or someone dropped a brick out of a plane while they were flying over. Glad to finally see a break in the heat a little bit this week, I get enough of the night shift at work, I don't need it in my fishing all the time too.
skunked_again reply :
we did very well at Kill Creek tonight. Texas rigged purple plastic curly tail.
skunked_again reply :
im doing kill creek early tomorrow, ive got no second. anyone wants on the back let me know or show up.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I might be out there. I was going to go to Cedar but with this rain I might change my mind. I was going to go with a guy from work but if he backs out I might be out there and maybe I can jump on with you. It would be a lot better than fishing out of my 12' johnboat 
. Don't get off work until 8am though so it would be around 8:30 before I could make it out there if that's where I end up at.
skunked_again reply :
On 8/8/2011 at 2:35 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I might be out there. I was going to go to Cedar but with this rain I might change my mind. I was going to go with a guy from work but if he backs out I might be out there and maybe I can jump on with you. It would be a lot better than fishing out of my 12' johnboat
i was on the water a grand total of maybe 30 mins. d**n rain.
Chris S reply :
I lost my account some how, now I started a new one today! Hillsdale has been a hot spot for my son and I this year for Bass and Walleye! I am so glad this weather is backing off, night fishing was my only option for the past few weeks! Here are few pics! Blue sorry to hear about your phone man that sucks!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nice fish Chris! What are you getting those walleye on?
Skunked-you must have been a little too far north. We got to Cedar at about 8:15 and fished until 10 when the next wave of storms blew through and barely got sprinkled on, sun even came out for awhile. It was pretty tough but I think I caught 8, all about 15-17 inches.
Fished Wyandotte Tuesday, lots of fish but all dinks. Got one nice smallmouth on a popper, 16 3/4 inches.
The schoolies started busting shad all over on the north end of the lake and it was pretty fast and furious for awhile, even got a double on a super spook jr.
Fished the Wednesday nighter out there tonight and it was really tough, probably caught 10 fish all night between the two of us, no keepers. 12 boats, 24 fishermen, 5 keepers. First place was 1 fish and 2.08lbs, doesn't get much tougher than that, maybe next week.
Chris S reply :
Blue sent you a message! Anyone heard surface temps at La Cygne in the past week or so???
skunked_again reply :
i beat the tar out of kill creek yesterday with a spook. fun fishing.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/12/2011 at 8:50 AM, skunked_again said:i beat the tar out of kill creek yesterday with a spook. fun fishing.
You get any good ones? I'd like to tag along with you out there sometime. Seems like that little lake beats me more often than not.
skunked_again reply :
On 8/13/2011 at 6:50 PM, Bluebasser86 said:You get any good ones? I'd like to tag along with you out there sometime. Seems like that little lake beats me more often than not.
a lot of 15" fish, had a hand full of 18-20" fish.
sounds good. ill keep you posted for future plans out there.
Chris S reply :
Fished Hillsdale Monday with my son Jake, no one catching anything so we set up the troll and managed 4 decent white bass to take home, biggest a little over 2 pounds, just nice to get out and not sweat to death!! WT 78-76
retro basser reply :
I just got my truck fixed up from the tree that fell on it last big storm so i went out both Friday and Saturday this weekend. At Perry alot of guys were fishing the Slough Creek bridge riprap. I did a little exploring elsewhere around there. I really like that drop in, there are alot of options right around there. Caught a striper and 3 largemouths at various places. I still need to go down to the marina and try but i'm learning a couple of spots around there.
On Saturday I took my daughter up to leavenworth so she could catch one. She officially caught her first fish all by herself. That little pink reel takes up so little line on each turn that it actually took her awhile to 'land' that monster, which was great cause she was flipping out the whole time bringing it in.
In other news we got caught in a rain squall with her new guinea pig on board. Apparently just a hint of hypothermia is great for killing those things... he got out safe fortunatley. Good trip.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/13/2011 at 1:02 AM, retro basser said:I just got my truck fixed up from the tree that fell on it last big storm so i went out both Friday and Saturday this weekend. At Perry alot of guys were fishing the Slough Creek bridge riprap. I did a little exploring elsewhere around there. I really like that drop in, there are alot of options right around there. Caught a striper and 3 largemouths at various places. I still need to go down to the marina and try but i'm learning a couple of spots around there.
On Saturday I took my daughter up to leavenworth so she could catch one. She officially caught her first fish all by herself. That little pink reel takes up so little line on each turn that it actually took her awhile to 'land' that monster, which was great cause she was flipping out the whole time bringing it in.
In other news we got caught in a rain squall with her new guinea pig on board. Apparently just a hint of hypothermia is great for killing those things... he got out safe fortunatley. Good trip.
i hope you washed you boat VERY good before launching
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Olathe Lake Thursday morning after work and fished from the bank for about an hour to an hour and a half. Just walked the dam and caught 9 fat, healthy looking bass. None real big, had one probably 16 1/2 to 17 inches was the biggest. 7 on a buzzbait, 1 on a shakeyhead, 1 on a squarebill. This cooler weather seems to be getting them going pretty well. Fished Wyandotte Wednesday night and thought the cold front would kill the bite. We caught fish steady and even fast a couple times all night on buzzbaits and shakeyheads. Hoping to get to Melvern Monday and Tuesday.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
On 9/16/2011 at 2:06 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Went to Olathe Lake Thursday morning after work and fished from the bank for about an hour to an hour and a half. Just walked the dam and caught 9 fat, healthy looking bass. None real big, had one probably 16 1/2 to 17 inches was the biggest. 7 on a buzzbait, 1 on a shakeyhead, 1 on a squarebill. This cooler weather seems to be getting them going pretty well. Fished Wyandotte Wednesday night and thought the cold front would kill the bite. We caught fish steady and even fast a couple times all night on buzzbaits and shakeyheads. Hoping to get to Melvern Monday and Tuesday.
That is pretty darn good for Olathe Lake, especially from the bank. You can snap an ankle on the rip rap getting to the dam. I've had decent luck with square bills near the brush piles lately. It's nice to know they are moving up for a buzzbait bite. Tight lines.
Chris S reply :
Went Private Pond Fishing Saturday slow but had few nice fatties!
retro basser reply :
Skunked: I do wash my boat after I get back from Perry. Probably should do it for all lakes these days. By the way, a ranger out at Perry told me if it's warm and dry out the zebra mussels die in about 4 days: they need to stay wet to live any longer.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/22/2011 at 1:11 AM, retro basser said:Skunked: I do wash my boat after I get back from Perry. Probably should do it for all lakes these days. By the way, a ranger out at Perry told me if it's warm and dry out the zebra mussels die in about 4 days: they need to stay wet to live any longer.
a HUGE THANK YOU for doing so. i assume zebra mussels will get into all the waters sooner or later but id rather have it be much later.
skunked_again reply :
fished the wind at kill creek today. bunch of small fish and this.
ive seen it all now...
i would show you a nice crappie on a spook but all i get is:
Internal Server Error
Bluebasser86 reply :
I caught one that was almost 15" on a pointer this spring, didn't know they got that big in there.
Chris S reply :
Any one hear any water temp reports at Lacygne?
skunked_again reply :
On 9/23/2011 at 2:28 AM, Chris Schauer said:Any one hear any water temp reports at Lacygne?
id rather fish in my bath tub than go to La Cygne. we fished there last Sunday and got skunked.
catch of the day right here:
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/23/2011 at 2:28 AM, Chris Schauer said:Any one hear any water temp reports at Lacygne?
It was still pretty hot a couple weeks ago when we were down there. Fished hard for 4 hours and caught 3 fish. Water was down and fish were no where to be found.
Chris S reply :
Thanks for the info! Last time I was down was end of June and it was boiling.
skunked_again reply :
doubled at Melvern right off the bat. more large mouth than the smallies but still caught fish. caught a buttload of walleye and white bass along the way.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Olathe Lake Sunday after work from 10-2. About 10 other boats on the lake and all bank fishing spots covered but we did better than I've ever done at Olathe. We had 20-25 between the two of us with several over 15". We both had one 18" fish apiece for the two biggest fish. Most fish caught on small plastics fished slowly but had a couple fish on cranks and one on a spinnerbait also. My friend caught a little saugeye on a shakeyhead also. I'm hating myself now for staying out that late when I knew I had to work tonight.
retro basser reply :
Night bassin in fall eh? Neat! I wished 10AM-2PM worked that well.
I need to get out once this week and make it count. I've been building my kid a treehouse in my spare time but I think i'm getting ahead of schedule enough to goof off a day.
Question for ya: I'm texas rigging my texas style on a 3/0 straight worm hook with a swivel and very small needle weight 18in up on 8lb Pline floro hybrid line. I'm not catching ****. I'm using senkos, worms, lizards and brush hogs, even craws occasionaly. It seems like you always get good fish on plastics... I understand if it's too much of a trade secret to ask, but what could I be doing wrong?
I always wonder if i'm fishing the wrong structure or letting it splash too much. When you see fish in the area on sonar but cant catch them it's frustrating as hell.
It seems the only time I catch bass on plastics is when i'm running carolina style but it's a little slow for my tastes.
Chris S reply :
Question for ya: I'm texas rigging my texas style on a 3/0 straight worm hook with a swivel and very small needle weight 18in up on 8lb Pline floro hybrid line. I'm not catching ****. I'm using senkos, worms, lizards and brush hogs, even craws occasionaly. It seems like you always get good fish on plastics... I understand if it's too much of a trade secret to ask, but what could I be doing wrong?
IMO: I would trash the swivel, ever put your plastics in a bucket of water to see which ones stand up or float off the bottom? I have been fishin Power Worms with a Biffle head 3/8 oz Texas rigged and its been doing the deal. the lightest line I have on any of my reels is 12 pound, ask your self are you getting the max action out of your plastics, whats the main forage in the lake you fish? This time of year you have to match the hatch, small swim baits also work well this time of year and yes fish them slow.
As for Blue, he has a fish magnet on the bottom of his boat!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I have a couple reports. I went to the new Critzer Lake in Mound City and have to say I was disappointed. Maybe it was the weather, maybe it was all the sudden fishing pressure, maybe it was me. Fished from 10am-5pm and caught 23 largemouth, 1 catfish, and 1 sunfish. Most fish were caught on compact flipping baits, but they liked a crankbait in the few areas I could actually fish one. Even in my small boat I could only fish about 1/3 of the lake because the trees are so thick. The wind was blowing so that didn't help. There is no laned cut in the trees so navigation is impossible in a lot of areas. I could see it being a really good lake in 5-10 years though when things thin out. Here's what I guess they're calling a brushpile, I caught 6 and busted off 3 times in this pile.
There's about 9 feet of water under it but the holes I was flipping in were so small I literally couldn't pull the fish back through. My biggest I caught was 17 1/2 inches.
Got out to Olathe Lake today for a few hours before work. Didn't catch as many as we did the other day but I did get my biggest fish from there so far. 19" on a slider head and a Havoc Bottom Hopper.
Sad part is it was only 3lbs 3oz so it was really skinny. Starting to like that lake a little more now that I'm learning it a little.
Chris S reply :
Nice report Blue! I hope to hit Lacygne and Hillsdale this weekend!
retro basser reply :
Hey Chris, thanks for the info!
That biffle head looks pretty useful. Never seen one of those before. I think the moral of the story is that i'm rigging more for a midwater/grass target and might be better off just working the bottom. I'll drag and hop jigs and sometimes do a shakeyhead for that but spend more time on the texas rig because it's a little more fun to fish. When it does hit bottom it just lays there though, which is probably not as good.
Hopefully i'll get another shot at it by the weekend. Be well!
Chris S reply :
The Biffle head is best of both worlds! They just got them at Bass Pro in Olathe, I have not used it with a senko, but because of the worm hook you can rig it weedless and toss it all over the place! It kills me to fish slow, I like rippin crankbaits!
skunked_again reply :
i think the water needs to drop another 10 degrees or so before the big fall bite starts. the best luck ive had lately is fishing the wind with hard baits.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm headed to the Rock either Friday night or Saturday morning. Going to do that for the weekend and then Pomme Monday to try and get a muskie. Sounds like the fishing has been good both places so hopefully it stays that way.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/30/2011 at 2:15 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I'm headed to the Rock either Friday night or Saturday morning. Going to do that for the weekend and then Pomme Monday to try and get a muskie. Sounds like the fishing has been good both places so hopefully it stays that way.
nice. i talked with a few kids who won a tourney on TR and they did it dragging a jig. food for thought..
Chris S reply :
Stopped by Bass Pro Friday to get a few things and spoke to one of the guys in the fishing dept who told me there was gonna be 2 tournys at La Cygne Saturday, so I went to Hillsdale all day. Fast start two Bass in the first 30 minutes, biggest at 16 inches, caught a fair share of White Bass casting and trolling, was just a nice day to be out on the water!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Got back from Table Rock and Pomme late Monday night. Table Rock was Table Rock and Pomme was Pomme. We started off fast on Table Rock Saturday morning with me catching a short spot on my second cast with a grub and then a keeper largemouth about 10 minutes later on a wart.
Chris (kanasbassfisher08) caught a keeper largemouth on a shakeyhead and we caught a few more shorts of all 3 species before the sun got up. Once the sun got up and the wind died completely it got tough. I caught a short spot on a sammy (our only topwater fish all weekend) and a keeper largemouth on a shakeyhead. Chris stuck a good fish on a jig that got hung in a tree on the way up. The way he could lift it a little ways and it would stop you could tell it was on an old line. I tried and tried with my lure retriever to get it loose. Finally on a desperate attempt to just catch the line I caught something and pulled and felt a line pop. I lifted and swung in about 15 feet of line, an old jig, and Chris' keeper smallmouth that weighed 2lbs 9oz.
It got really tough from there. We tried to run to Cedar cove when my boat went into alarm because the outboard was overheating. We limped to a point and could see nothing wrong. We weren't far from Big Cedar Lodge so we putted to the docks there but they don't work on boats. Thankfully one guy had the number to someone who does work on boats and he was nice enough to listen and answer our questions. He said it sounded like my thermastat was stuck and was an easy fix and not expensive. It took about an hour to get back to the ramp at idle speed but we finally got to Bass Pro in Branson and they took a look at it. It was the thermastat but they didn't have one and neither did the 5 or 6 other shops he called. Luckily BPS in Springfield did have one so we hit the road and got the part.
Back on the lake it continued to be tough but at least my motor was working. We scratched out a couple more shorts before hitting a bluff wall we'd caught a couple keepers off of earlier. It was getting dark and cold but we could see pretty well with the light bluff wall and half moon. I flipped a jig next to a tree and turned to say something to Chris when a fish about yanked the rod out of my hands. After a pretty good tussle to keep it out of the cedars I swung my biggest smallmouth of the trip in, 3lbs 3oz.
We ended day 1 with 15 fish, 7 of those being keepers.
Day 2 started terrible. 38 degrees and fog so thick we could hardly see the trolling motor. In the first 3 hours we caught 5 fish, no keepers. I was tired of picking the spots so Chris scrolled around the topo map on my depthfinder and found a spot he liked. Someone else liked it too and was already fishing it when we got there so we hit a different area close by. Soon after getting there some fish started busting shad. We caught a few short spots throwing grubs but nothing even close to keeping. I noticed a large standing tree out in the middle of the cove in about 40 feet of water so I dropped a spoon down next to it. It barely sank out of sight when my line jumped and I stopped the spool with my thumb and set the hook into our first keeper spot of the day. As I fought it up about 15 or 20 others chased it. I dropped a grub down with the first one still on and doubled on keeper spots.
The school disappeared quickly so we ran back to the bluff we'd done well on the day before. I quickly caught another keeper spot on a jig.
A couple more shorts and then I got thumped hard on a jig and stuck a good fish. She jumped like a smallmouth and fought really well before I lipped her. 20" 4lb 6oz largemouth was our biggest at Table Rock.
I wish every fish that I caught on a jig ate it this good!
We ended day 2 with 16 fish and 5 keepers. We caught fish on several different baits but a jig was by far our best bait for keepers and numbers.
Pomme was fun, lots and lots of fish but no big fish. We ended the day at Pomme with 44 fish and 14 keepers but the biggest was only a 15 1/2 inch largemouth. Chris had one muskie follow a bucktail to the boat and another hit his bucktail when he wasn't paying attention and missed it. I couldn't get any love from the toothy fish. Trip was a lot of fun and Chris got to learn a lot about fishing deep, clear water like he was hoping to.
retro basser reply :
Wow! Nice trip, way to fight through the engine B.S. and get back to business.
Those spots sure do look healthy down there at Table Rock. Nice.
Chris S reply :
Went to La Cygne Sunday and I should have saved my gas $, wind picked up, white caps and the water level was down 10+ feet, ran to the back of the lake towards the river and there is an island back there now, sad. Caught 3 fish nothing worth taking a pic of. Ran up towards the dam and trolled for a while, marked lots of fish in 20-25 feet of water, just could not get them to bite. Pulled out at 3 and the tourny guys where having the weigh in, winning weight I was told was 11 pounds, I remember when 11 pounds and 3 fish where a bad day on La Cygne, heard last Saturday one Tourny only caught 3 keepers on La Cygne. Lots of short fish! Wonder if the freezing of the lake last winter for the 1st time in 20 years has had an effect on those fish? Think I will wait til Mid Nov before heading back down.
skunked_again reply :
im not sure whats up with La Cygne. i used to be ok on that lake but the last few times i was out there fishing was bad. real bad. guess i should be glad though, its put me on Melvern a lot this year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I think it's because the water is so far down out there. It seems that lake is at it's best when the water is up in the water willows and shoreline trees. Since it's so shallow a lot of them probably pull off the bank on hidden stumps and edges. Plus less water means less places for the millions of shad to go. Last time I went you could have almost walked on the shad in the river and the 3 fish we caught were so stuffed they probably didn't really need to eat anything.
We hit Pleasanton Monday and they were eating a spinnerbait like they'd never seen one. Water is way down there too and the bigger fish were no where to be found but the fish up to about 2.5lbs were slamming spinnerbaits, poppers, and Havoc Pitbosses. My wife had big fish of the day with about a 3lb catfish on a spinnerbait 
retro basser reply :
I went to Perry yesterday from 2:30 till sundown and fished almost every cove & point on the west arm of slough creek north of ferguson road. Hit alot of isolated stumps and some rip-rap too. Water temp was in the upper 60's, but sonar was showing way more fish in 12-20 ft of water than i saw when i got up the lake in the 5-10 depths. I was kind of imagining those were more crappie and stripers but since i didnt catch anything I'm kind of wondering if I was too far up...
I was going for it: Trying to cover lots of ground with reaction baits. 3/8 red-white spinner, several cranks, mostly shad imitaors, pb&j jig around laydowns. topwaters in the coves after 6. I got one swipe on the spinnerbait all day. I wish i would have jigged a spoon more, that was in the gameplan too.
The reaction bite was non-existint. It was frustrating. I thought about trying more subtle colors. I also noticed there are just so many shad on that lake every time i've been there I cant imagine a bass worring about eating anything else. Maybe I need to be there for the morning bite. I also noticed the majority of pelicans were wayyy up there, like shallower than 5 feet mid-channel... so maybe that's where all the bass n shad went.
The problem with big-water is there are so many places the fish aren't.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/13/2011 at 1:42 AM, retro basser said:I went to Perry yesterday from 2:30 till sundown and fished almost every cove & point on the west arm of slough creek north of ferguson road. Hit alot of isolated stumps and some rip-rap too. Water temp was in the upper 60's, but sonar was showing way more fish in 12-20 ft of water than i saw when i got up the lake in the 5-10 depths. I was kind of imagining those were more crappie and stripers but since i didnt catch anything I'm kind of wondering if I was too far up...
I was going for it: Trying to cover lots of ground with reaction baits. 3/8 red-white spinner, several cranks, mostly shad imitaors, pb&j jig around laydowns. topwaters in the coves after 6. I got one swipe on the spinnerbait all day. I wish i would have jigged a spoon more, that was in the gameplan too.
The reaction bite was non-existint. It was frustrating. I thought about trying more subtle colors. I also noticed there are just so many shad on that lake every time i've been there I cant imagine a bass worring about eating anything else. Maybe I need to be there for the morning bite. I also noticed the majority of pelicans were wayyy up there, like shallower than 5 feet mid-channel... so maybe that's where all the bass n shad went.
The problem with big-water is there are so many places the fish aren't.
I catch most of my fish out of Perry up really shallow on riprap or around docks on dark colored plastics, mainly a baby brush hog. I've had spotty success on a spinnerbait, mainly in the spring though. Shad colored squarebills and rattletraps have done well for me also. Perry is pretty consistant for me during the warmer months. It has a pretty high population of quality fish and some big fish also. A friend of mine won a buddy bass tournament a few years ago out there with 3 fish that weighed over 21 pounds combined. He did that with the techniques I described.
retro basser reply :
Hey Blue, thanks for the info!
That make sense at Perry, to use wide-area, fast, loud baits around the rocks. It's actually my first attempt at big-water bassin and I gotta say the biggest difference is that using the big motor is mandatory if you want to fish alot of quality spots. Fortunatly the '76 has quit blowing every fuel line I install (and I dont rev her much over 4k anymore) Anyway, thanks for the good tips, I'll head down-water next time...
Which leads me to what I got on here to post...
I'm stoked to report that after that devastating trip to Perry, getting kicked around by the 30/mph whitecaps all day I went out early, for once, to a smaller lake and fished the 30/mph, easy, Lonestar whitecaps...
The day turned out awesome...
I finally got I disagree up before dawn and got on the water from 7AM - 3PM. My gameplan was just to hit alot of lake.. the points with crankbaits ... shallow cover with my favorite 3in grub spinner, and not waste time changing multiple lures, or do as much driving across lake tying up to hopefully find prime structure, exploring I guess..
Anyway, I stuck to two main searchbaits, kept driving simple, and really just focused on the craft better... feeling the structure and bait, trying to put myself where my bait wanted to go... instead of where I was trying (for fun) to apply lures in their not-so-best way...
The bass were still very deep on this lake too, 14-20 ft. off of main lake points mostly. Staged more on the west side. I caught bass consistently all day, usually 2 per hour, got to cover the whole lake... AND...for the first time ever... I caught more bass off of crankbaits than the grub.. It was fun...just a deep water, multiple fish day...
The crank is just a little deep-diver storm flash that I got off of the close-out bin. Wish I woulda used it sooner! The other ironic thing is that the best place to catch a keeper bass would have been the point left of the west boat dock. The vast weight of the lake was staged outside of there and I nabbed four just pulling in to load the boat.
It was just a big day of learning out there because focusing on paying attention really paid off.. Good time.
My only regret was not being able to fish the point west of the bait shop and beach is the deepest short drop on the lake and there were a couple of lunkers staged about 16 deep by it...Unfortunatly, working the point was impossible because the wind was STRONG directly into the point, and the main lake I was trying to anchor in was hit 32 ft deep...with about that much rope... GODDAMM there were some BIG BASS there though... and on only one, huge piece of structure, this short, violent, point. They weren't going anywhere, just looking for something convincing... Wish I had a GPS lock trolling motor or like 100 feet of anchor rope.
Anyway...FAITH IN BASSIN' RESTORED!!
Matt
Chris S reply :
Good Stuff!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Douglas State Lake Sunday while my wife went to the Maple Leaf Festival. First time I've fished it since it reopened and there is tons of fish in it but they are serious dinks. I caught 31 in 2 hours with the biggest being maybe 15" and it was way bigger than most. I did get a double on an Excalibur XR50 rattlebait, a pair of 9 inchers.
Fished Wyandotte for about two and half hours today and caught 20, 17 largemouth and 3 smallmouth. Caught fish on a chatterbait, Excalibur XR50, shakeyhead, and homemade jig. The wind was a killer so it was nice that they were hitting a moving bait. I had a ton more fish hit the chatterbait but couldn't get them to hookup and they don't eat it nearly as well with a trailer hook for some reason. Seems like this cold weather might have finally woke them up and got them feeding!
retro basser reply :
Boy I hope you're right about them getting moving for winter. I just got my truck tip-top for some fall fishing trips...
By the way everyone: Cajun 100% floro is in the cabelas bargain cave right now dirty cheap...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I hope I'm right about the fall bite turning on too! I'll find out Sunday, Kanasbassfisher08 and I are headed to Melvern to hopefully smack some smallies and whites around. Wouldn't be mad about getting a few keeper walleye either
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
How was Melvern?
Got my butt kicked at Lone Star today. Place just seemed dead and the two fish I did catch in 4 hours I was out there were very lethargic.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/23/2011 at 9:23 AM, KU_Bassmaster. said:How was Melvern?
Got my butt kicked at Lone Star today. Place just seemed dead and the two fish I did catch in 4 hours I was out there were very lethargic.
We're going in the morning and will be out there most of the day. I haven't been to Lonestar in a couple years but last time I went late in the fall we experienced the same thing. Fish were few and far between and not very active, even though they should have been.
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
I was at Olathe Lake last Friday evening. I wasn't having much luck and started to look for shad. Near the dam there were some blowups. They didn't appear to be typical bass blowups - more swirling and tail splashing. I threw my Sammy 1 second after I saw a blowup. Twitched it twice...BAM! Twitched it twice...BAM! It was hit 3 times before I hooked up and boy did my rod load up! At first I thought it was a carp...or big saugeye. After a hard fight with 4 strong runs to deeper water, I pulled in a 25" Wiper (17" girth). The biggest I've ever seen, let a lone caught. There have been times when I've hit a school and caught 10-12" wipers, but nothing this big. I'm guessing between 8-9 #'s. Attached is the pic I tried to take by myself...
Does this surprise anyone else? I didn't know they got that big in Olathe?!?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/25/2011 at 5:17 AM, Revo_Carrot Stix said:I was at Olathe Lake last Friday evening. I wasn't having much luck and started to look for shad. Near the dam there were some blowups. They didn't appear to be typical bass blowups - more swirling and tail splashing. I threw my Sammy 1 second after I saw a blowup. Twitched it twice...BAM! Twitched it twice...BAM! It was hit 3 times before I hooked up and boy did my rod load up! At first I thought it was a carp...or big saugeye. After a hard fight with 4 strong runs to deeper water, I pulled in a 25" Wiper (17" girth). The biggest I've ever seen, let a lone caught. There have been times when I've hit a school and caught 10-12" wipers, but nothing this big. I'm guessing between 8-9 #'s. Attached is the pic I tried to take by myself...
Does this surprise anyone else? I didn't know they got that big in Olathe?!?
Those things are a blast on topwater. I've only caught a couple out of Olathe but not nearly that big. I do know of a 13.5 pound one that was caught out of there on chicken liver though. There's plenty of shad and deep water for them to grow big though.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well Melvern was pretty disappointing on Sunday. The weather was really nice but I think the calm weather and bright sun probably hurt us more than anything. We caught plenty of smallmouth and white bass but the smallmouth were really lacking any size. Chris had one of the biggest ones on a RC 1.5 off the dam.
I also caught the smallest smallmouth I've ever caught on a 78 pointer.
Fished all over the lake and just never got any kind of pattern. We caught them shallow and deep, off points and the backs of coves. We caught fish on squarebills, traps, shakeyheads, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, tubes, and shad raps. The white bass were really nice ones but we never found any concentration of them, just scattered everywhere. We caught a couple largemouth and a spot also and that was it for the day. Water temp was 63 degrees so I'm guessing in a week or two it will really fire up.
Chris S reply :
Good info as always! Got my Dad in town from FLA to freez the next 4 days, may try for some whites and walleyes at Hillsdale Saturday, Revo thats a nice fat Whiper!!
Revo_Carrot Stix reply :
On 10/26/2011 at 5:26 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Those things are a blast on topwater. I've only caught a couple out of Olathe but not nearly that big. I do know of a 13.5 pound one that was caught out of there on chicken liver though. There's plenty of shad and deep water for them to grow big though.
Ironically on Sunday, the KC Star had an article about Wipers and Topwaters this time of year. I don't know much about the species, but you're right - it was a blast to catch!
I've heard of guys catching them on chicken livers when they're fishing for catfish. I talked to an older guy earlier this summer at Olathe and he was telling me about one Wiper (he said close to 20#) that he caught after stalking it for a couple years near the West dock in or near the cut-in. He said it took nearly 15 minutes to land. I think he got it with an inline spinner or something.
uptonfish reply :
I see that La Cygne is way down, is it still possible to launch a boat there? I may be heading there on Friday but didn't want to waste the trip if I cant get in. Thanks
retro basser reply :
Wow, if that wiper hit it 3 times that fast he must have just been in there destroying shad. Awesome fish.
Well, I got the rig fixed up and in good towing condition and decided to test it out with a little overnighter to somewhere farther than normal. So, Monday afternoon I decided to try out one of the highest bass density lakes in Kansas I've always been curious about, and made the 82 mile trip up to Brown County State Lake east of Hiawatha.
I got on the water about 3PM monday, drove around and pinged the whole lake because it was that small, which was nice, but it was also really shallow, which wasnt so great for having a boat on it. The water was still 62 up there, mind you this is the higher country near Nebraska and the VAST majority of the bass population were still in the deepest part of the lake (14ft..) by the west of the dam. There is a nice piece of structure there about 50ft out from the spillway, pulled a couple dinkers off of it with a crank, then right behind it in the same corner I nabbed four out of this stretch of submerged trees, i'm getting excited at this point cause it's like 6 fish in 20 minutes and I just got started...It's feelin pretty bassy let me tell ya!
Then I started to fish the rest of the lake....
I'll keep this part short but I'll just say that they have the rip-rap piers all over up there but the lake is so old sedimentation has all but filled in the water between piers. Most of that lake area between piers is 2-3 feet of water if your lucky.. With the wind coming in out of the south like it was driving me into shallows / piers and I had like 1 cast that can reach shorline cover before my boat was going to hit bottom or rock. It was rough going and the wind had just started apparently because Tuesday's wind was absolutley insane.
So I somewhat fished the whole west side of the lake, using anchor alot. I might have screwed up on a couple pieces of cover cause i was getting so ticked at the wind, but I did well on alot of them. No fish. No bites, nothing. I was kind of shocked because I thought I had the spinnerbait going after that start.
Here is my theory: I really think most of the bass population was holding in that one section of lake. That population was nice enough, but really when you talk about a day of fishing you want more options than one section. I'm going to be careful reading into the density from KDWP on really shallow lakes next time. A shallow lake compared to a deep one of the same size has less water, so I think it's easier to get a higher 'density' of fish with less water... I dunno just the things you think about.
So anyway, it's a nice enough little lake with actual bass. Great for someone fishing from shoreline or in a bass buddy for a couple hours. Good camping options, right by a highway, but not a place you can really work for more than a half day in my opinion.
By far the best part of the trip was being lucky enough to be out camping when the Northern Lights happened. That was the first time I've seen it in my life. That was some amazing stuff right there...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/26/2011 at 10:36 PM, Revo_Carrot Stix said:Ironically on Sunday, the KC Star had an article about Wipers and Topwaters this time of year. I don't know much about the species, but you're right - it was a blast to catch!
I've heard of guys catching them on chicken livers when they're fishing for catfish. I talked to an older guy earlier this summer at Olathe and he was telling me about one Wiper (he said close to 20#) that he caught after stalking it for a couple years near the West dock in or near the cut-in. He said it took nearly 15 minutes to land. I think he got it with an inline spinner or something.
I couldn't even imagine catching a 20lb wiper. I decided I wanted to catch one over 10lbs about 6 years ago. My first trip to La Cygne I caught one that was 9lb 4ozs, thats still my PB even though I caught hundreds of 4-8 pound wipers each winter at La Cygne.
On 10/26/2011 at 11:29 PM, uptonfish said:I see that La Cygne is way down, is it still possible to launch a boat there? I may be heading there on Friday but didn't want to waste the trip if I cant get in. Thanks
It's possible to launch a boat but I think most that have been there recently would agree that you should save your money, the fishing has been horrible down there for almost everything for the last couple months. Wait until it starts to get cold and then it should start to get good out there.
On 10/27/2011 at 1:14 AM, retro basser said:Wow, if that wiper hit it 3 times that fast he must have just been in there destroying shad. Awesome fish.
Well, I got the rig fixed up and in good towing condition and decided to test it out with a little overnighter to somewhere farther than normal. So, Monday afternoon I decided to try out one of the highest bass density lakes in Kansas I've always been curious about, and made the 82 mile trip up to Brown County State Lake east of Hiawatha.
I got on the water about 3PM monday, drove around and pinged the whole lake because it was that small, which was nice, but it was also really shallow, which wasnt so great for having a boat on it. The water was still 62 up there, mind you this is the higher country near Nebraska and the VAST majority of the bass population were still in the deepest part of the lake (14ft..) by the west of the dam. There is a nice piece of structure there about 50ft out from the spillway, pulled a couple dinkers off of it with a crank, then right behind it in the same corner I nabbed four out of this stretch of submerged trees, i'm getting excited at this point cause it's like 6 fish in 20 minutes and I just got started...It's feelin pretty bassy let me tell ya!
Then I started to fish the rest of the lake....
I'll keep this part short but I'll just say that they have the rip-rap piers all over up there but the lake is so old sedimentation has all but filled in the water between piers. Most of that lake area between piers is 2-3 feet of water if your lucky.. With the wind coming in out of the south like it was driving me into shallows / piers and I had like 1 cast that can reach shorline cover before my boat was going to hit bottom or rock. It was rough going and the wind had just started apparently because Tuesday's wind was absolutley insane.
So I somewhat fished the whole west side of the lake, using anchor alot. I might have screwed up on a couple pieces of cover cause i was getting so ticked at the wind, but I did well on alot of them. No fish. No bites, nothing. I was kind of shocked because I thought I had the spinnerbait going after that start.
Here is my theory: I really think most of the bass population was holding in that one section of lake. That population was nice enough, but really when you talk about a day of fishing you want more options than one section. I'm going to be careful reading into the density from KDWP on really shallow lakes next time. A shallow lake compared to a deep one of the same size has less water, so I think it's easier to get a higher 'density' of fish with less water... I dunno just the things you think about.
So anyway, it's a nice enough little lake with actual bass. Great for someone fishing from shoreline or in a bass buddy for a couple hours. Good camping options, right by a highway, but not a place you can really work for more than a half day in my opinion.
By far the best part of the trip was being lucky enough to be out camping when the Northern Lights happened. That was the first time I've seen it in my life. That was some amazing stuff right there...
I've been to Brown once and was not impressed. Like you said it is very shallow and silted in. We saw one bass about 5lbs beach itself chasing bluegill but we only caught one over 18" and it was very skinny. I won't be going back anytime soon.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Anyone been to Hillsdale recently? I'm trying to get a last trip in to try to get my dad on some walleye since we aren't going to make it to Milford like we'd like. KDWP says jigs on points in coves, so I'm assuming secondary points. Anyone have any other suggestions?
Chris S reply :
Blue I was out at Hillsdale 3 weeks ago, caught whites trolling off of Hillsdale Point, dragged Walley rigs with night crawlers, picked up nota on the Walleye, heading out in the morning with my Dad and my son to Hillsdale, gonna work the same pattern as above, now that the jet ski's have gone home!
As for Lacygne dont waste your gas $$$$$ that lake is down 10 to 15 feet and yes you can launch your boat but the rocks and tires by the ramp are 100% out of the water!
retro basser reply :
Finally got back down to Douglas County St Lake on Thursday morning, cool, cloudy, water temp was 58.
I actually drove my old toyota 22-RE across the entire thing when they had it drained 6 or so years ago, but this is the first time I've been able to put a boat on it.... As you know you're not going to catch anything worth bragging about but the lake is a pleasure to fish. What can I say it's just darn nice for KS bass fishing... out of the 13 I caught during 10-2pm being out there there were 3 that were exactly 10''
If you guys ever get out that way make sure you talk up conservation because this thing could be a real beauty in a couple years...
Oh also they were staging in the front quarter of the main cove so it looks like they were headin up the lake soon enough..
Chris S reply :
Fished Hillsdale Saturday, white bass bite was good, kept a few for the deep fryer! WT 58, all caught on chrome blue and orange lipless crankbait, drifted for walleyes for an hour nota. Only about 6-8 boats out total! Nice day with my Dad and Son.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Fished Gardner Saturday evening. Only was out for about 2.5 hours before dark. It is not a dead sea!!!! First time I have been out there in at least 5 years. Lake was really struggling the last few times I fished it. Landed 3, but had about 5 or 6 more blow ups. Was fishing a LFT magic shad.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Hillsdale Monday with the old man, hopefully I learned my lesson and will never go back there. Fished from 9-2, trolled cranks, casted cranks, casted grubs, jigged crawlers and grubs, drug shad on a 3 way rig. I ended the day with 3 whites, 4 crappie, 1 walleye, 1 catfish, all while casting a grub, dad caught a drum jigging a crawler. We were fishing for walleye but I still have yet to catch a keeper walleye from Hillsdale. Should have just gone to Wyandotte, at least I could have caught some bass and still had a shot at catching some walleye.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
hey blue the master bait out there is a 200 series bandit in a mad cow color you can catch anything you want its magic atleast thats the dream i had last night fishing hahaha!!!
On 11/2/2011 at 5:44 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished Hillsdale Monday with the old man, hopefully I learned my lesson and will never go back there. Fished from 9-2, trolled cranks, casted cranks, casted grubs, jigged crawlers and grubs, drug shad on a 3 way rig. I ended the day with 3 whites, 4 crappie, 1 walleye, 1 catfish, all while casting a grub, dad caught a drum jigging a crawler. We were fishing for walleye but I still have yet to catch a keeper walleye from Hillsdale. Should have just gone to Wyandotte, at least I could have caught some bass and still had a shot at catching some walleye.
Chris S reply :
On 11/2/2011 at 5:44 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished Hillsdale Monday with the old man, hopefully I learned my lesson and will never go back there. Fished from 9-2, trolled cranks, casted cranks, casted grubs, jigged crawlers and grubs, drug shad on a 3 way rig. I ended the day with 3 whites, 4 crappie, 1 walleye, 1 catfish, all while casting a grub, dad caught a drum jigging a crawler. We were fishing for walleye but I still have yet to catch a keeper walleye from Hillsdale. Should have just gone to Wyandotte, at least I could have caught some bass and still had a shot at catching some walleye.
Well there needs to be at least one lake you dont completely beat the heck out of
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/2/2011 at 10:06 PM, Chris Schauer said:Well there needs to be at least one lake you dont completely beat the heck out of
I have never even started to feel like I figured Hillsdale out. We could have caught quite a few white bass but we were trying to get some walleye so we had to keep away from the whites if possible.
On a brighter note I hit Gardner from the bank along the dam and did pretty well on a spinnerbait and rattle trap. First fish I hit was a solid keeper, probably 16-17 inches and thick, one of the biggest bass I've caught from Gardner. I'm hoping this means Gardner is coming back. I only fished it twice this year for maybe 5 hours total and caught a keeper both times and know of one 5 pounder caught out there this year.
retro basser reply :
I almost pulled the trigger on another overnighter Monday, this time to Lyon Co lake east of Melvern, but the forcast convinced me to save it for another day.... Anyone ever get out that far? Looks like they take their bass pretty seriously. I'll probably go next Monday night... maybe nose around Melvern a little bit too. It looks like cove paradise, as far as KS is concerned.
Instead on Monday I took a buddy out to DG CO who ususally is content to drink beer and fish a worm on a bobber...i gave him a setup and he finally caught some dinker bass... Let's just say i think the lightbulb finally came on...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/3/2011 at 5:55 AM, retro basser said:I almost pulled the trigger on another overnighter Monday, this time to Lyon Co lake east of Melvern, but the forcast convinced me to save it for another day.... Anyone ever get out that far? Looks like they take their bass pretty seriously. I'll probably go next Monday night... maybe nose around Melvern a little bit too. It looks like cove paradise, as far as KS is concerned.
Instead on Monday I took a buddy out to DG CO who ususally is content to drink beer and fish a worm on a bobber...i gave him a setup and he finally caught some dinker bass... Let's just say i think the lightbulb finally came on...
I've never fished Lyon but from the people I know that do fish it, there is lots and lots of bass in there, so many that they encourage people to keep fish on the under size of the slot limit. One guy I know goes out there with his wife and regularly catches north of 100 fish, he keeps a clicker fish counter to keep track and I've fished with him and know he can catch them like that. Melvern was tough last week but with this cold weather they could really turn on. If you fish rattle traps or shallow to medium running cranks out there this time of year you can catch every type of fish that swims in that lake.
retro basser reply :
SOLD!!
I can't freeking wait now. It's only about 80 miles away from here, and all slow-poke backroads that the Rig Digs...
I'll keep myself modest and shoot for 50 .. hehe
Thanks.
Chris S reply :
Cabelas has some good stuff on Clearance, I got all of this for under $28, $6.99 Rapalas for $1.99!
I am interested to see how these Northland Live Forage Spoons work in deep water! Any one else tried them??
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nice haul Chris!
I got a report on La Cygne a couple days ago from a dependable source. Said the lake was about 10 feet low now. He fished for 6 hours and had 1 bite but it was an 8 pounder, caught it on a jig. Hopefully they're getting some of this rain down there to help bring the lake up a little bit before winter.
Chris S reply :
Amen on Lacygne!
ks cranker reply :
Everyone still fishing?
Last weekend only got out Sunday afternoon at Gardner and seemed the fishing really slowed down from the previous week. Still got some, but not the numbers or size. Not sure if it was that the weather broke from windy/cloudy to bright and calm or not. Surface temp was 54-56.
Planning to hit Melvern on Saturday. Anyone got any tips? Looking to catch some smallies. Looks like it is going to be a little windy, so might not be able to fish everywhere I'd like to, but might group those whites up on the windy spots...
Anyone else going to be out there this weekend?
skunked_again reply :
were going to Melvern Sat. whats the worst that can happen?....heh.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've heard the whites are going good at Melvern but haven't heard much about the smallmouth. Last time we went a few weeks ago we caught lots of smallmouth on cranks and jerkbaits but no size at all.
Hi Salenity reply :
I made it to Cabelas Today but they were out (or I didn't find) the $1.99 Rapalas.
They did have a few Dobyns rods
Savvy $99
Extreme $219
I got to play with the new Rage rods. I wanted to buy one so bad!
Chris S reply :
Pretty sure they got snatched up ASAP! When I saw them I grabbed two of each.
ks cranker reply :
On 11/10/2011 at 6:14 AM, skunked_again said:were going to Melvern Sat. whats the worst that can happen?....heh.
Looks like the wind is going to be little to high for me on Saturday, planning to go Sunday now...
Anyone have any suggestions on how deep or shallow to look for smallmouth this time of year?
retro basser reply :
Well I FINALLY got down to ol' Lyon Co lake after about two solid weeks of trying to find a pair of days that weren't windy, wet, cold, or all three...I shot down Thursday night and got rewarded with having the whole lake to myself and lemme tell you, camping out in freezing weather really aint so bad if you happen to find a night with only 2 mph wind
The lake was pretty darn nice. Now that I've been to a few of these 'County State' lakes let's just say I accept that dealing with one or two 'less than ideal' conditions are part of the deal. Not this one...It really has it's **** together as far as KS lakes go... Even better, it's clearly designed with Bass fishing in mind. Frankly, I wouldn't pick this lake to go catfishing off the shore because there really are only a couple of piers in good spots next to channel bends. Also they have a no booze policy so maybe it keeps a few of the 'lets get drunk all night and leave a bunch of trash the next day' crowd away.
Here are some bassy things about this lake:
- The lake had great structure: relatively deep water all the way up in the channels, lots of sharp drops, and 30+ ft depth by the dam, submerged humps if you can find em...
- Cover EVERYWHERE. They have these impressive rip-rap islands, fishable laydowns everywhere, submerged trees, some deep water plants and some serious shoreline vegetation species that I've never even seen before, which might get tough in the summer but was very fishable now. More importantly these plants have taken so well you can see there is just SO much room for the youngin's to grow.
- Finally clearer water than I've seen in many KS lakes and good boat lanes too.
The ONLY bummer was the lake was down about two feet, so you could see plenty of exposed hidin-holes you would love to drop a lure in front of if only it was underwater...It really limited where you could practically do shoreline fishing. I noticed the bulk of the fish were holding closer to channels and underwater cover 20 feet off the shoreline. I'm not very good at fishing those scenarios, so I stuck with the white spinner and a crank for the most part, kept exploring and took what I could get..
I got to be on the water from about 2-5 on Thurs and 8-12 on Friday and managed to pick off 5 that evening and 4 the next morning. Secondary points up the creek in the evening and actually moved a little deeper to the mouth of the coves in the morning which was interesting. They were all over 10'' in fact most were exactly at 13'' strong, healthy bass, real fun to catch. They were eating the bait on the drop in the evening but in the morning you had to wait longer, slow roll it along the bottom and let them leisurely run it down.. Wish I woulda figured that out sooner
I probably coulda caught more: I know I missed plenty of targets and quite a few strikes actually, but hey this is my first year with a boat and really learning how this works so don't let my numbers fool ya. This lake is for real.
This is the best one I caught I think: a 'non-keeper' at 14''
If you can't tell, I can't wait to get back in the spring and spend a couple more days down there, maybe i'll check out melvern as well..
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Wyandotte for a couple hours today to try out the new luck e strike jerkbait and some hand poured worms that I just got. The wind was pretty strong but I got one on my second cast with the jerkbait.
Lost a keeper on the next cast that pulled the split ring and the hook off? I guess I'm going to have to change the split rings out on that bait. Did my best to feel the little slider head and worm and managed my only smallmouth of the day.
Switched back to the jerkbait and got one that would have been close to a keeper.
Probably caught 8-10 mostly on the jerkbait but also caught two on an XR50.
skunked_again reply :
we caught a lot of small smallies on jerk baits on the back side of the wind. whacked the bigger smallies fishing fat alberts on shaky heads of all things. it took us a while to get on the fish.
btw.............hardest wind ive seen anywhere, ever, today.
retro basser reply :
I hit Perry today just because the weather was nice and it turns out I had one of the most fun days of fishing I've had all year... I only caught three, all bass, but they were all over 13''
I probably wouldn’t have stuck with the rattletrap as long as I did if Blue hadn't recommended it out there. I was fishing a blood red Yo-zuri for about 30 minutes around the slough creek rip-rap with no bites. But instead of going to the spinnerbait or something else I changed over to a shad color and picked up two nice largemouths almost back to back right under the bridge... one 15'' (which is a helluva fish for me at this point) and a 13''.
Here's the first, bigger one, I thought I caught a snag at first so I was pretty suprised that it was this nice of bass..
I stayed there a bit longer but a guy wanted to fish for crappie from the bank so I went exploring up the lake...
I picked up this wiper on a little blue-chartreuse spinner (1/4 oz) i think on a secondary point up a cove... I caught it on only 6lb test line with no trouble. Biggest one I’ve ever caught.
What's the best thing to troll for these for? A little spoon or rooster-tail or something?
retro basser reply :
By the way... You guys think that a white bass or a wiper? I guess I never really knew there was a difference.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/15/2011 at 8:05 AM, retro basser said:I hit Perry today just because the weather was nice and it turns out I had one of the most fun days of fishing I've had all year... I only caught three, all bass, but they were all over 13''
I probably wouldn’t have stuck with the rattletrap as long as I did if Blue hadn't recommended it out there. I was fishing a blood red Yo-zuri for about 30 minutes around the slough creek rip-rap with no bites. But instead of going to the spinnerbait or something else I changed over to a shad color and picked up two nice largemouths almost back to back right under the bridge... one 15'' (which is a helluva fish for me at this point) and a 13''.
Here's the first, bigger one, I thought I caught a snag at first so I was pretty suprised that it was this nice of bass..
I stayed there a bit longer but a guy wanted to fish for crappie from the bank so I went exploring up the lake...
I picked up this wiper on a little blue-chartreuse spinner (1/4 oz) i think on a secondary point up a cove... I caught it on only 6lb test line with no trouble. Biggest one I’ve ever caught.
What's the best thing to troll for these for? A little spoon or rooster-tail or something?
Glad you had some success out there. More than likely that's a white bass, I don't think they stock wipers in Perry so unless one got in there somehow it's probably a white. I catch a lot of them swimming grubs on a 1/8oz ballhead, rattletraps, and shad raps. They will hit about anything though.
ks cranker reply :
Made it out to Melvern on Sunday 11/13. Water temp was low 50's. Caught several decent largemouth on a spinnerbait, but for the most part the white bass kept me busy most the day. They are really grouped up. Ended up fishing the dam area in the afternoon. The whites had totally taken control of the 0-6ft dept on the dam. Caught them dang near the whole length of the dam on a jerkbait.
Skunk, what dept did you catch your smallies on the grub?
Bluebasser - did you take a pic of your 5lber for the marina at Melvern. Some guys trolling the dam told me an older guy caught a 5lber a couple weeks ago and the pic was at the marina... i know you aren't too old, so guess someone else caught a nice one too.
Chris S reply :
What's the best thing to troll for these for? A little spoon or rooster-tail or something?
I use a 1/2 oz lipless crank bait on Hillsdale for them, purple/white and green bottom or purple/chrome and green bottom.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/15/2011 at 10:56 PM, ks cranker said:Made it out to Melvern on Sunday 11/13. Water temp was low 50's. Caught several decent largemouth on a spinnerbait, but for the most part the white bass kept me busy most the day. They are really grouped up. Ended up fishing the dam area in the afternoon. The whites had totally taken control of the 0-6ft dept on the dam. Caught them dang near the whole length of the dam on a jerkbait.
Skunk, what dept did you catch your smallies on the grub?
Bluebasser - did you take a pic of your 5lber for the marina at Melvern. Some guys trolling the dam told me an older guy caught a 5lber a couple weeks ago and the pic was at the marina... i know you aren't too old, so guess someone else caught a nice one too.
Nope, no pictures of me in the marina that I know of. I hooked one the day before on the dam that was as big if not bigger but it tossed my bait so there is for sure some bigger ones in there. Those big whites down there are a blast aren't they? If you can find them schooled up it's easy to forget that you're fishing for smallmouth.
ks cranker reply :
On 11/16/2011 at 5:11 AM, Chris Schauer said:What's the best thing to troll for these for? A little spoon or rooster-tail or something?
I use a 1/2 oz lipless crank bait on Hillsdale for them, purple/white and green bottom or purple/chrome and green bottom.
Chris - Are you asking about white bass? If so, I normally just cast to them. Spinnerbaits, cranks, lipless cranks, jerkbaits, spoons... I guess I could go on and on, but they pretty much eat anything that moves, ha!
For me right now, any wind blown bank is a possible white bass zone. If you catch one, there should be some more in the area. If you don't get hit in a few cast there probably isn't any in at that location.
I'm no expert with them, just happen to run into them from time to time looking for black bass. I'm sure others will have some better tips for you...
retro basser reply :
Chris was replying to me, I know he catches em about every single trip out at Hillsdale. Thanks to all of you for giving me some ideas though. I guess it was just switching down to that light rig that let me catch one.
I tell ya, if i had to do this to put food on the table I'd go for whites instead of competing with all the other crappie fisherman out there. Sounds like there is a hair more sport to it too.
Let's hope this weather keeps giving us chances... good luck
Chris S reply :
On 11/16/2011 at 11:17 PM, ks cranker said:Chris - Are you asking about white bass? If so, I normally just cast to them. Spinnerbaits, cranks, lipless cranks, jerkbaits, spoons... I guess I could go on and on, but they pretty much eat anything that moves, ha!
For me right now, any wind blown bank is a possible white bass zone. If you catch one, there should be some more in the area. If you don't get hit in a few cast there probably isn't any in at that location.
I'm no expert with them, just happen to run into them from time to time looking for black bass. I'm sure others will have some better tips for you...
I forgot to hit the quote button on the reply, yes my son and I pound them pretty hard, fishing with a 6 year you better be catching something Here is a quick trip down memory lane this year!
retro basser reply :
On 11/17/2011 at 1:36 AM, Chris Schauer said:I forgot to hit the quote button on the reply, yes my son and I pound them pretty hard, fishing with a 6 year you better be catching something
Looks like not a bad summer at all!
Kid's gonna be a natural...
Hooligan reply :
On 11/15/2011 at 8:38 AM, retro basser said:By the way... You guys think that a white bass or a wiper? I guess I never really knew there was a difference.
That fish is definitely a small wiper, the broken, spotted lines are the give.
In terms of what to use to target them, shad baits of appropriate size. We catch a lot of wipers on the lakes that hold them on shad cranks like Rapala DTs. If you're up for casting for them, which can be a riot, fishing big bucktail jigs around rock and windblown shore is a riot.
Chris S reply :
On 11/22/2011 at 7:25 PM, Hooligan said:That fish is definitely a small wiper, the broken, spotted lines are the give.
For the size they fight like mad! I had a 8+ pound wiper on at Lacygne last winter and it broke me off at the boat 
! I googled these pics of a white bass and a wiper. 1st one is a wiper, 2nd a white bass. Fun to catch!!
retro basser reply :
I actually went out there again last week, tuesday maybe, bad fishing day, ended up being colder and windier than the weather guy thought so I left fast. All I could catch out there were wiper, but at least they were biting. I did notice this time they have the two holes on the tounge which is what KDWP says is a wiper/striper trait.
I am definitley going to spend a little time chasin em next season. They sound fun especially when the real bass arent biting. Not to mention, like you said Chris, when you're takin a 6 yr old or a 30 yr old novice fisherman, you better be catching somethin
Takin the boat out for the last run of the season tomorrow...hope the cold front didnt shut em down. I'm goint to try to fish low-n-slow, main points, very back of creeks. spinners, cranks, traps, jerkbaits, and a white jig if I can find it.
Going out on a good day sure will make winterizing the boat easier
Bluebasser86 reply :
There is a very slim chance they are wipers. They haven't been stocked in Perry and they aren't listed as being in there which kdwp will do even if there hasn't been one caught for years. Whites and wipers both have broken lines
http://www.kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Region-2/Perry-Reservoir
The toothpatch is also not a failsafe as it isn't distinct in a lot of fish. Not saying they couldn't be in there since the state record was obviously caught in the outlet below the lake but that fish probably swam up the Delaware River from the Kansas River. Either way like you said catching something is far better than catching nothing.
Chris S reply :
Hitting Hillsdale in the a.m. will post Monday! Going to be dragging Crawler rigs for Mr. Wally and cranking for Whites!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Guys I've got a few rods and a reel I'd like to get rid of but don't want to deal with shipping, the rods especially. I have a St.Croix Mojo "spinnerbait" 7' MH/F. I've been using the rod for pitching and it has done pretty well. Rod has been used a lot and has several scuffs but works just fine, asking $40 for it. 2nd I have a Cabela's TXS 7' 6" telescopic walleye casting rod. I believe it's the "deadstick" model but it trolls smaller shad raps and 1/2oz traps great. Probably would be a decent crankbait rod if you like a longer rod. Rod has very little use and sold for $100 new, will take $30. 3rd I have a Cabela's Depthmaster downrigger rod, 8' 2 piece. Rod works very well for bottom bouncers and trolling bigger tail dancer type baits. 4th is a BPS Rick Clunn baitcaster, the purple one in a 7.1 ratio. Has a little rash but works like new, $40. I can email pictures if you need them.
Chris S reply :
Thank goodness the weather was nice Thursday because the fishing stunk! Lots of fish on the FF in 25 to 35 feet of water. I threw everyting but the kitchen sink at them, Jigs, Spoons, deep diving crankbaits, trolled and nota to show for it. First skink of the year at Hillsdale. WT 48.
retro basser reply :
Wednesday was my last trip of the year, went to DG CO because I knew i'd have a good chance to catch something. I did too, picked em off all day even fishing the middle hours, 12-4 I think. Ended up with 8. Because it's starting over out there it's funny how you only land 2 sizes of fish, most are exactly at 10'' and the next spawn are little, probably 7''.
This trip I was suprised to catch one that didnt fit the mold: This 'hog' actually got up to 12''. Made me wonder how the heck he found his way in there or if it was one of the older fish in the lake. It was a nice enough day to end on, got up to almost 60 and the sun found it's way out most of the afternoon. I'll take it.
Chris: I've been out places a couple times with a weather pattern like we had Thursday and had really tough days as well. You know, warmest day of the week, winds strong from the SW. I'm going to try to avoid em in the future if I can. I'm thinking I like the middle days of a stable pattern late in the year. Just a hunch.
Well the boat is hibernatin'
Any of you guys venture out into the cold make sure to let us know...
Chris S reply :
I will fish in the winter, week before Christmas last year was one of my best trips to Lacygne ever. Always looking for someone to help with truck gas costs, will let ya know in advance! My boats in the garage next to the wifes car
Bluebasser86 reply :
Got out to Wyandotte for the last day before it closes for the winter. Weather was nice and the fish cooperated fairly well. I had my line break off in the reel on the first bite 
Got my bait back but no fish. Marked a bunch on the finder so I dropped a jigging spoon and caught a little largemouth on my second hop.
Nothing else on the jigging spoon so went back to the shakeyhead. Caught a couple more largemouth and then a feisty smallmouth.
My buddy showed up and went to work quickly. He caught a crappie on a pointer and then a healthy smallie on a shakeyhead.
I caught a couple more little largemouth and then a really well colored smallmouth on the shakeyhead.
Ended up with 6 largemouth, 3 smallmouth, and 1 crappie in 2 hours. Not bad for the last day of November in Kansas!
skunked_again reply :
its been a blast posting with you guys!
my phone number is 913-449-0296, text me well go fishing. email is filsheone@yahoo.com.
peace!
Hi Salenity reply :
I went hunting this morning and on my way back I noticed ICE on the shallow edges of my local lake! I did make it back this afternoon for a few minutes to fish a shakeyhead from the bank. I missed 2 bites but did land 1 dink.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/1/2011 at 9:18 AM, skunked_again said:its been a blast posting with you guys!
my phone number is 913-449-0296, text me well go fishing. email is filsheone@yahoo.com.
peace!
I enjoy hearing from all you guys also. I'm thinking we need to get some kind of local get together going. I don't have the time or money to make it to the roadtrip at Guntersville but maybe us local guys can plan a day trip or weekend trip to Melvern, Milford, Perry, Lake of the Ozarks or something? It's been discussed in the past I think but never really come together but it sounds like a good time to me if we can get a few people to show. Even if we do just a small get together at Kill Creek or Olathe the fishing might not be as good but would still be a good time. If you guys are interested I say we should try to get this off the ground.
Chris S reply :
Monthly meeting at an easy place to meet like Birdies off of I-35 & 75th St? I would be open to fish a few other lakes around the area but I aint dragging my boat or truck down and pot holed dirt roads
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/2/2011 at 3:42 AM, Chris Schauer said:Monthly meeting at an easy place to meet like Birdies off of I-35 & 75th St? I would be open to fish a few other lakes around the area but I aint dragging my boat or truck down and pot holed dirt roads
Well if we did a get together we could probably have people pair up so gas money could be split and not everyone is pulling a boat. Would be kind of hard to fish together and get to know your fellow BR members if everyone is fishing alone in their own boat I can think of several lakes within about an hour and half that you'd never touch dirt road.
Hi Salenity reply :
Next spring we could rent out the cabins at lasygne for a weekend?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/2/2011 at 6:58 AM, Hi Salenity said:Next spring we could rent out the cabins at lasygne for a weekend?
I think I'd rather do that at Melvern. At least at Melvern you can usually catch something. If La Cygne is off you might not get a bite all day. One problem with both could possibly be the wind. I think maybe we should get location suggestions from everyone and take a vote. I'll put mine in for Melvern 
Chris S reply :
I am up for what ever! As for pairing up thats fine but I have two guys who fish with me that already pitch in for truck gas, if they bail out I think it would be cool to meet new folks and talk fishin!
retro basser reply :
Melvern sounds like a good call for destination bassin'
Also it might be real easy just to plan a 'everyone call in sick to work' day and attack one of these local lakes.
I can either bring a boat or some beer, whichever is in greater demand that day
Chris S reply :
Anyone hear anything on Lacygne yet? Thinking about Sunday trip down with this first snow fall.
ks cranker reply :
On 12/2/2011 at 11:02 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I think I'd rather do that at Melvern. At least at Melvern you can usually catch something. If La Cygne is off you might not get a bite all day. One problem with both could possibly be the wind. I think maybe we should get location suggestions from everyone and take a vote. I'll put mine in for Melvern
Having a get together sounds like fun. I'd vote for either Melvern or Perry (assuming Perry would have a cabin or camping available). I'd also like to hit the Pitt Strips someday too.
I'll have an open seat if someone needs someone to go with.
IFindFish reply :
I fished LaCygne last Thursday afternoon (12/1). Water was 57 at ramp and 65 right at the outlet. One stack pumping smoke. 12 trailers at the park ramp. Saw 2 or 3 other boats near outlet area. Others were down south I guess? I fished/trolled for whites and wipers. Caught 2 dozen 8" whites, 2 - 16" wipers, 4 - 8" cats, one 12" crappie, a 6" LMB and a walnut. Quite a mix. First time to catch a walnut! Shad balls were everywhere, not just near the outlet. I spoke with another couple gents as I was pulling out at sunset. They had caught 4 LMB all day. Biggest was 4 lbs. I think this recent cold snap should move them around a bit.
Anybody been to Coffey County lately?
Chris S reply :
Ifind thanks for the report thats what I was looking for for this Sunday! This cold snap should push them into the outlet! What did you use to troll with?
Thanks,
Chris
IFindFish reply :
A rapala deep diver in shad colors. Also a mepps style black and silver spinner. Anything that remotely looks like a shad will work.
Chris S reply :
Fished Lacygne Saturday, WT at outlet 58, 12 bass biggest 16 inches. To much bank traffic to get over to that side.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Is the water still really low at La Cygne or has the rain they've been getting helped any?
Chris S reply :
Still down, the tires at the boat ramp are 50% out of the water and the other ramp across from the outlet is closed, there are spots in the middle of the lake that are only 3-4 feet deep, I am guessing its down 5 to8 feet.
Chris S reply :
Hit Hillsdale Sunday for a few hours, caught Whites and Crappie in 20+ feet of water using a spoon! WT 41
Bluebasser86 reply :
Got to La Cygne today with a buddy. Rain sucked late in the day but wasn't terrible most of the day and little wind made it more bearable. Swimbaits ruled the day. Minus 2 on jerks, 1 on a crank, and 2 on a shakeyhead they all ate swimbaits. Most of them were on 4" Berkley or Storm swimbaits. My first fish was a porker, 18 1/4" long and 4lbs 6oz.
Couple other healthy swimbait bass.
Jerkbait bass.
Most awesome one of the day. We were at the outlet, skipping swimbaits under the cables when a fish started popping shad right off the rock point. Too shallow for the swimbait I was throwing so I ran a spinnerbait by and a big fish blasted it but didn't hook up. Grabbed my swimbait rod with a 6" Spro BBZ 1, fired it and held my rod high so it would run right under the top. Got to the same spot and got plowed. Didn't weigh her because she got the back hook deep and I wanted to get her back in the water as soon as possible but was probably in the 4.5-5lb range.
retro basser reply :
Badass!
Looks like hangin out in the rain all day was well worth it. It was probably 50 out there though and I see alot more 20's & 30's in the forecast. I think you timed it just right before it gets stupid cold.
That post will hold me over for another month at least. Thanks.
Chris S reply :
Man you got one over at the Dam?? Nice day out there!!! Last year was one of my best days on that Lake the week before Christmas! Week days are the trick, so you can fish the entire discharge area without Manny and the crew casting surf rods with 2 oz sinkers at you!!
Good Job Blue!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Retro-some of my best days at La Cygne have been when it's stupid cold out and I really had no buisness being out there. Those days are nice because there isn't much competition. There was only 2 other boats on the lake, 1 guy fishing for crappie at the dam and 2 guys catfishing at the outlet.
Chris-I did get one off the dam, suprised that was the only one I got. I've caught a couple of my biggest bass from La Cygne off the dam. You're right about weekdays. I've been on nice weekend days and it's a zoo out there and the bite is usually terrible. There was a few bankfishermen and I did see one of them catch about a 5 pounder that got tossed in a bucket. I did see a first out there though, I watched a bank fishermen catch 2 short bass and 1 short wiper and throw them back Normally if it gets caught, it's going home regardless of size or species.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
So the bass ARE alive in La Cygne .... and doing quite well by the looks of it.
Chris S reply :
Any reports Lacygne or Wolf Creek?? With the nice temps going some where this weekend to wet a line. If my normal partner has to work, any one want to fill in? Shoot me a PM!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Haven't been or heard anything since last time I went but I bet it will be crazy at either lake this weekend. If the wind allowed I'd probably opt for Wolf Creek just because it would be easier to get away from the crowd more since it is a much bigger lake, but the chance at a big bass goes way down also. I'll be at La Cygne Monday so if you go out there I'd appreciate a report if you get a chance I'll report in after kanasbassfisher08 and I get back.
retro basser reply :
Saw this ad and thought it might be a helluva deal for the right basser:
http://lawrence.craigslist.org/boa/2785282525.html
Good luck on the weekend sportin...
Chris S reply :
Retro I bought new from Cabels in March took the payment over the GD's with carbs and ethanol
Blue as always my friend I will post but it wont be until Monday, PM me your cell# and I can text you when I get home Saturday afternoon.
Hi Salenity reply :
Anyone get out lately? I actually was able to take the Kayak out to Osawatomie lake Friday. The fishing sucked but the water temps were up from last time,
It was 37* in December and was 40* in January.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
me and blue basser86 went out to lake lacygne and had about an average day i would call it. we had a hard time at first for bass. guides were freezing up pretty bad until about 9am. so we took a break from bass fishing and snaged several buffalo. we noticed a guy down past the fast water outlet yanking whites left and right pretty much keeping everything but anyways we drifted down throwing rattletraps catching quite a few little ones biggest 8 inches but they were crushing it. fun for a minute but head to a bluff wall where i was throwing a hud deluxe most of the way had one good boil be hind my bait but bluebasser was doing pretty good on the point with a new luckE strike jerkbait and a shaky head serveral dinks but made it nice to catch some green fish! but i didnt catch a green fish all day till the end on a lucky craft jerkbait pointer. but did manage to catch smaller whipper on a chrome and black back rattletrap. not a whole lot of boats but more then i would like mostly crappie fisherman but was lucky enough that one of the stacks started to run about 10 or 11am. dont know if it had anything to do with it but thats when we went to the bluff and started catching green fish aka LMs. i guess bluebasser did have a LM come off that morning throw a storm swimbait at the outlet over the cable into the fast water but not much to look at lol. our biggest of the day was caught by blue throwing a craw colored crankbait maybe 4lbs. we attemted to fish the dam but it was dead all we caught was one white that came off the boat. water temps at the outlet was 56 or 57 and was 50 to 51 at the dam and 57 closest to the main lake and 50 closer to the river. thats about the best report i can give u and im sure bluebasser will add a pic or two of the day and update his cont total of the year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well like KB08 said we did alright at La Cygne but not great. We hadn't caught anything except some big buffalo at the outlet and even those were tough to find. The outlet had just started to blow a small puff of smoke when we started catching the whites. They were tiny and we fished most of the big flat to the north of the outlet trying to find some bigger whites or wipers. Most of the bass we caught came off of the point that is the most southern part of the rock wall on the north end by the river. Caught several off that point, mostly one jerkbaits but did get a fish on a pitboss also. My biggest on a jerkbait was probably around 2.5.
We fished all the way down that wall, the river mouth because there were birds diving, and the island. Only part we caught fish off of was the deeper stretch of bank closest to the outlet. Caught the biggest of the day on our second pass down that stretch on a red craw H2O sqarebill.
Caught a couple off of the rock bank in between the cabins and the main ramp. Also caught one off of the dam on a jerkbait. I hooked something at the outlet on the dam on a shakeyhead but it pulled me down into some brush and came off, not sure if it was a bass or not. Pretty slow day but it was nice weather once it warmed up and way better than being at home doing nothing!
retro basser reply :
On 1/10/2012 at 7:08 AM, Hi Salenity said:Anyone get out lately? I actually was able to take the Kayak out to Osawatomie lake Friday. The fishing sucked but the water temps were up from last time,
It was 37* in December and was 40* in January.
A Kayak in 40 deg water? That takes guts! Nice.
I dont know if you guys have seen this website yet but let me tell you it is BAD ***. Just close out the pop-up box and you can play with the map for free. Any body of water with a red square around it has a good contour map that you get with the membership. Even on the freebie version i got it to overlay a topo map over Perry, which is very cool, but the pay version is just awesome.
http://mapper.angling-technologies.com/map/
Bluebasser86 reply :
Me and Wachati (Peter) fished La Cygne yesterday. Everything we had both seen said windy in the morning and then calming down by about 8am. We got there at about 7:15 and it was windy so we hit the point right across the cove from the ramp. I caught a small one on a jerkbait and then a little bigger one on a Little John. Right when I got mine in the boat Peter hooked a fish on a swimbait, got it to the boat, and it popped off just when it got to the surface. It was probably 5-6 pounds. For the next several hours we fished anywhere we could stay out of the wind. I missed a couple on a shakeyhead and caught a couple tiny white bass on crankbaits. By 1 we still hadn't caught another fish so I netted some shad and we went back to the outlet. Even with live shad I think we only caught 5 or 6 more bass. The biggest of the day was just shy of 4 pounds.
2012 bass count-81
Chris S reply :
Nice!
retro basser reply :
81 Bass already by Jan 17th? Now that is gettin' after it!
So the million dollar question for me is: How is this warm winter going to affect how fast they get moving again in springtime?
Gotta think it would help them grow more than normal too with all these warm winter afternoons to feed...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I can only remember one really warm winter like this in my lifetime. It seems like a cold March and April made up for some 60's and 70's in January and February, hopefully that doesn't happen this year. The cold nights has finally made the fishing feel more like winter fishing. I've been out 3 more times and hadn't caught a thing until yesterday, 1 small crappie and 1 small bass both on jerkbaits.
2012 bass count-82
Chris S reply :
Fished Lacygne on Sunday 16 fish total only one over 3 pounds, swim bait and spinner bait, this April like weather has them messed up IMO. Better than a skunk! I checked Hillsdale and the surface temp is still at 34 as of last Friday!
retro basser reply :
Nice fish, they sure are porkers down there eh? Heck, catching 16 is fun I don't care where you go, especially in January.
My ol lady's dad has been farming his whole life and he thinks it will likely be a cold spring too. I'm guessing that means they'll be really hard to pattern but hopefully the silver lining is that if you figure it out it could be a bonanza, even on the busier lakes.
I've been eyeballing Mozingo lake in NW MO on this new software I have. It looks pretty impressive actually. Anyone hear anything about it?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/1/2012 at 7:55 AM, retro basser said:Nice fish, they sure are porkers down there eh? Heck, catching 16 is fun I don't care where you go, especially in January.
My ol lady's dad has been farming his whole life and he thinks it will likely be a cold spring too. I'm guessing that means they'll be really hard to pattern but hopefully the silver lining is that if you figure it out it could be a bonanza, even on the busier lakes.
I've been eyeballing Mozingo lake in NW MO on this new software I have. It looks pretty impressive actually. Anyone hear anything about it?
Mozingo is a blast to fish most of the time. I usually fish it late spring/early summer and get on a good topwater bite along the edge of the grass in the morning and then flip the trees and grass when it gets hotter out. There is also usually a good deep crankbait bite during the summer if you can find the deep brushpiles.
As far as the weather, I'd rather it be a cooler spring without all the rain we had last year. Colder water is a lot easier to catch fish in than high, muddy water imo.
Chris S reply :
On 2/1/2012 at 9:54 AM, Bluebasser86 said:As far as the weather, I'd rather it be a cooler spring without all the rain we had last year. Colder water is a lot easier to catch fish in than high, muddy water imo.
Ditto that and the Walleye bite at Hillsdale is on fire when that water temp hangs in the 58-64 degrees!
Chris S reply :
My mad photography skills for yall !!
Lacygne on a Blue Bird Skies day and Sunrise last Friday.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished La Cygne today from 7am-3pm. Lots of boats fishing for the little white bass that were everywhere. Nice thing about it was it left that bass pretty much all to us. Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and shakeyheads were the deal. Fished with Peter (Wachati) and we both caught fish pretty steady all day, just mostly little ones. I'd bet well over half of them wouldn't have bumped 12" if you'd have jumped up and down on them first. They were willing to bite and that was the important thing. I had big fish of the day with a 18.5" fish that when 3 3/4 pounds on a shakeyhead. The rock bank by the river mouth was the only place we could get bit with any regularity. I ended up with 19 and he caught around 15 I think.
2012 bass count-141
Chris S reply :
Nice!
retro basser reply :
Good to know about Mozingo. It's a little far but maybe i'll get around to it. Fishing an Ozark-like lake with a ton of tributaries would be fun. 1000 acres too. You dont get that size water over on this side of the border very often it seems...
Well even though I learned last season that the KDWP ratings can be *ahem* misleading at best, I still have their rankings from last year saved so i decided to compare them and see which lakes were the 'biggest winners' for black bass going into this season.
So, for what it's worth, here's all the lakes who's ratings increased over 5 pts. If nothing else it weeds out some dead water...
2012 KWDP LM Bass Highest Density Change.pdf
Hi Salenity reply :
On 2/8/2012 at 2:32 AM, retro basser said:Good to know about Mozingo. It's a little far but maybe i'll get around to it. Fishing an Ozark-like lake with a ton of tributaries would be fun. 1000 acres too. You dont get that size water over on this side of the border very often it seems...
Well even though I learned last season that the KDWP ratings can be *ahem* misleading at best, I still have their rankings from last year saved so i decided to compare them and see which lakes were the 'biggest winners' for black bass going into this season.
So, for what it's worth, here's all the lakes who's ratings increased over 5 pts. If nothing else it weeds out some dead water...
2012 KWDP LM Bass Highest Density Change.pdf
On your chart, what exactly does it mean by bigest fish?
retro basser reply :
The KS biologists go out and 'sample' these lakes by running a shock boat around and collecting what floats to the top... the biggest fish is the biggest bass (in lbs) that happened to get caught in the current during last years testing. (The 2012 fish forcast is based on testing done througout 2011)
I think they mentioned somewhere about switching over to electro boats that will just stun the fish long enough to count them. I know that testing is important in managing the fisheries, but it's always a bummer to see trophy fish go out like that.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm pretty sure that most bass they sample are already collected with shock boats. It stuns the fish just long enough for them to be netted and put into a collection tank where the revive and are weighed and measured before they release them and it does little or no damage to the fish. I was "lucky" enough to be at 2 lakes the same day they were shocking them last year and watched them collected them and turning them loose after being weighed and measured. If you're ever at a lake when they're doing this I'd suggest just watching them do it, the odds of catching anything will be heavily stacked against you at that point anyways. 
Chris S reply :
Here these will get your blood flowing! Best 5 went just under 35 pounds!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Beautiful fish! Where those come from?
Chris S reply :
On 2/11/2012 at 7:30 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Beautiful fish! Where those come from?
My crazy little brother on Guntersville throwing an Alabama Rig with 5 inch swim baits.
retro basser reply :
Wow! Either of those could make a season much less a trip. Holy cow.
Good news on the shock-boats. I thought i read somewhere that they were trying to transition to the no-kill ones, but heck if they've always been that way all the better...
I would imagine few things spook a bass population like electro-terror from above. Twice in one day, that's some luck right there... lol
Chris S reply :
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ's!!!!!!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've been fishing but mainly in ponds. Wife and I fished Table Rock last weekend but no real picture worthy fish except the first meanmouth I've ever caught. I'm ready for Wyandotte to open next weekend so I have somewhere closer that I can go again!
Hi Salenity reply :
Meanmouth?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/28/2012 at 8:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:Meanmouth?
Spotted bass/smallmouth hybrid. On the A-rig.
Chris S reply :
On 2/28/2012 at 11:53 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Spotted bass/smallmouth hybrid. On the A-rig.
You aint throwing that rig in Kansas are you I just saw a pic in this months BASS master mag with a guy with 3 of those tied on for a total 13 swimbaits! Since Kansas wont let you have more than two hooks on any rig I am saving my money!
Chris S reply :
Here is the pic I was talking about in the above post, ths is crazy!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/29/2012 at 2:59 AM, Chris Schauer said:You aint throwing that rig in Kansas are you
Nope, that picture is from Table Rock last weekend. I saw that picture of the mutiple rigs but I'm undecided if it's real or not.
Chris S reply :
On 2/29/2012 at 7:39 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Nope, that picture is from Table Rock last weekend. I saw that picture of the mutiple rigs but I'm undecided if it's real or not.
Real or Not it just gave 10,000 rednecks like my brother an idea!!
So you had some luck throwing it I take it?
retro basser reply :
Wow. That picture is ridiculous! It probably works great but that dont mean i'm gonna throw it.
Guess i'm old fashioned
Chris S reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 3:18 AM, retro basser said:Wow. That picture is ridiculous! It probably works great but that dont mean i'm gonna throw it.
Guess i'm old fashioned
Nope Old School
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/29/2012 at 10:32 PM, Chris Schauer said:Real or Not it just gave 10,000 rednecks like my brother an idea!!
So you had some luck throwing it I take it?
Not really. I caught that meanmouth and had another big fish hooked for a second and that was it. I had lots of follows from small spotted bass. Other than that it gets snagged if it gets close to anything and about every 3rd or 4th cast it gets tangled and won't swim right.
Chris S reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 7:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Not really. I caught that meanmouth and had another big fish hooked for a second and that was it. I had lots of follows from small spotted bass. Other than that it gets snagged if it gets close to anything and about every 3rd or 4th cast it gets tangled and won't swim right.
Good info for a guy like myself who has never used one! Thanks Clayton!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
A couple of my recent fishing trips!
3lb 14oz bass from the pond behind my work on a PINK! X-rap. Had to fish one just to see if I could get a fish to eat it.
kanasbassfisher08 (Chris) and I were on the Kansas River trying for some catfish yesterday. Lots of bites but Chris was the only one to hookup. Turned out to be a really nice channel cat.
A couple days ago a group of guys were on the river that had about a 3lb walleye they had caught. I'd never seen one from the river before but yesterday I caught one in my thrownet too.
Got me thinking I should be tossing some artificials down there too!
retro basser reply :
On 3/1/2012 at 3:20 AM, Chris Schauer said:Nope Old School
Heck yeah... I got an excuse
Is that last picture a saguer Blue? They look like gar to me. What's the big deal about those anyway? That Perry district biologist was pretty excited that they were making a comeback in the resevoir.
Drove up to Leavenworth today to see it drained and try my luck fishing from shore. No bites but it is pretty neat how much of the lake bottom you can see.
Got a few more real projects to take care of around the house before I break the boat out for the season. Let's be honest, aint nothing getting done but lakin' after then.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/7/2012 at 6:58 AM, retro basser said:Heck yeah... I got an excuse
Is that last picture a saguer Blue? They look like gar to me. What's the big deal about those anyway? That Perry district biologist was pretty excited that they were making a comeback in the resevoir.
Drove up to Leavenworth today to see it drained and try my luck fishing from shore. No bites but it is pretty neat how much of the lake bottom you can see.
Got a few more real projects to take care of around the house before I break the boat out for the season. Let's be honest, aint nothing getting done but lakin' after then.
I'm thinking it's either a sauger or saugeye because of the dark blotches on it's side. They're a popular with fishermen because they're good to eat and the state uses them a lot to try to control shad and crappie populations. I went back out yesterday and caught 7 more of them, including one that would have been a keeper, probably 15-16 inches long and very fat. I may have stumbled onto something out there.
Chris S reply :
http://forums.waterw...hp/t100944.html
this link may give you some more info, last year I caught what I thought where Walleye out of Hillsdale but was told that they where in fact Triploid Saugeyes. Either way they where tasty!
1st pic is the Triploid and the 2nd is a Walleye, confusing if you ask me!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/8/2012 at 11:39 PM, Chris Schauer said:http://forums.waterw...hp/t100944.html
this link may give you some more info, last year I caught what I thought where Walleye out of Hillsdale but was told that they where in fact Triploid Saugeyes. Either way they where tasty!
1st pic is the Triploid and the 2nd is a Walleye, confusing if you ask me!
I would have guessed the other way around with all the dark blotches on the second fish.
In other news, I got from a good source this morning that a new state record rainbow trout was caught from Lake Shawnee in Topeka this morning, supposedly in the 14-15 pound range. Now that is a pig of a trout!
Chris S reply :
On 3/9/2012 at 4:21 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I would have guessed the other way around with all the dark blotches on the second fish.
In other news, I got from a good source this morning that a new state record rainbow trout was caught from Lake Shawnee in Topeka this morning, supposedly in the 14-15 pound range. Now that is a pig of a trout!
Ok so now I am confused again!
Dang thats a big ole pig..Shaw Grigsby!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I can't ever tell the difference, but then again I don't catch or fish for them often. Most of the lakes have the same length limits across the board for them to avoid getting anglers who are trying to do right from getting in trouble for taking short fish. Most importantly they all taste good and that's all I really need to know about them when I catch a keeper.
Hi Salenity reply :
Anyone still wanting to try to have a weekend get together at a lake somewhere?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm up for it. I like the idea of everyone playing hooky from work one day and doing a day get together at a lake within reasonable driving distance. I don't have much vacation left this year since most of it is already scheduled but I could make a Sunday or if everyone wanted to get a case of jiggingitis and do it on a Monday I could do that too. I still like the sounds of Melvern, probably in late April/early May.
Hi Salenity reply :
A day trip would be fine with me. I was just thinking of a weekend trip so we could get a chance to hang out after we got off the water.
Bluebasser86 reply :
That's true. We could do a day trip and grill some food afterwards but a weekend would probably be a little less hectic. I already have the last weekend of April off if that would work for anyone else. I just took it off because it's my birthday and was planning on going fishing somewhere but haven't decided where yet.
KansasBassin reply :
Alright KC guys I need some help. I used to go to this place called the fishing hole at 95th and Mission. Every year or two I would have the owner go through my reels. Well they went out of business, and I am looking for a place hopefully in JoCo that services reels. Couple shimano's, quantums, and a couple other random baitcasters. Anyone know of a good place? The guy at the fishing hole was great, and he serviced a reel for under $15.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The fishing hole was a good place to take a reel but the owner died a couple years ago, believe that's why they went out of buisness. I don't know of anywhere around here that does it. There is a couple sponsers on here that do a great job and don't charge too much.
KansasBassin reply :
I kind of thought something might have happened, he was an older guy, and the place always smelled like he just put out a smoke in there. I found a place Wichita called *, ever heard of that?
bassinKS reply :
Anyone been to LaCygne lately? I'm going to head down there next weekend and was wondering if anyone know what they are hitting on or direction of where to go? thanks guys!
pbrussell reply :
Hey folks. I'm new to the forums, and decided to join up mostly because of the central section right here. I'm already a member of some other forums, but I just might stick around to mine for more information. Seems like a nice place. At any rate, I went out to louisburg middle creek yesterday. I couldn't buy a bite. There were guys catching crappie left and right, but no bass to be found.
I fished chunk rock, riprap dam, main lake points with standing timber, submerged roadbed, shallows with timber, shallow water adjacent to deeper water, etc. etc. etc.
Fished football and arkie style jigs, and lipless cranks. I would have thrown a jerkbait around the dam, but it was too windy to hold my boat in position. It was also too windy to make any true finesse fishing possible.
Anyhow, I wasn't the only one with limited success. All the other folks I chatted with that were on the hunt for those little green guys reported no bites for them as well. Perhaps it was the high pressure. Perhaps that lake just sucks. Anyhow, I'm hoping to hit miami county, or la cygne next week. Not going to louisburg middle creek any time soon, that's for sure.
SuperFluke reply :
I've fished Middle Creek once with some success. This was last summer, and I found all of my fish either in the coves along the weedlines or on the chunk rock just south of the dam. Caught the ones in the chunk rock off of crankbaits, and the ones in the coves off of flukes and weightless worms. Most everything I caught was non-keeper size, but I haven't had enough experience to make a judgement on the overall quality of the fishery. Did you try any creek channels or other deeper structure or did you beat the shallows?
pbrussell reply :
Depends on what you call shallows. The deepest parts of the lake were really hard to key on because of the wind. I fished anything from 5-20 feet of water. There was a steep drop off which I would assume would be the old creek that would've went under old metcalf that had a lot of fish showing up on my electronics, but I just couldn't keep my boat positioned there because of the wind.
retro basser reply :
On 3/9/2012 at 10:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said:That's true. We could do a day trip and grill some food afterwards but a weekend would probably be a little less hectic. I already have the last weekend of April off if that would work for anyone else. I just took it off because it's my birthday and was planning on going fishing somewhere but haven't decided where yet.
Good thing about a day trip is it would be easy, especially close to KC. Somewhere farther like Melvern I always want to get 2 days in cause the rig is such a gas guzzler. Heck I say we do both cause there's a better chance one or the other will work for peoples schedules. Last weekend of April is good for me, looks like that Sat is the 28th. That's gonna be Prime Bassin Time too.
On 3/12/2012 at 3:24 AM, pbrussell said:Hey folks. I'm new to the forums, and decided to join up mostly because of the central section right here. I'm already a member of some other forums, but I just might stick around to mine for more information. Seems like a nice place. At any rate, I went out to louisburg middle creek yesterday. I couldn't buy a bite. There were guys catching crappie left and right, but no bass to be found.
I fished chunk rock, riprap dam, main lake points with standing timber, submerged roadbed, shallows with timber, shallow water adjacent to deeper water, etc. etc. etc.
Fished football and arkie style jigs, and lipless cranks. I would have thrown a jerkbait around the dam, but it was too windy to hold my boat in position. It was also too windy to make any true finesse fishing possible.
Anyhow, I wasn't the only one with limited success. All the other folks I chatted with that were on the hunt for those little green guys reported no bites for them as well. Perhaps it was the high pressure. Perhaps that lake just sucks. Anyhow, I'm hoping to hit miami county, or la cygne next week. Not going to louisburg middle creek any time soon, that's for sure.
I'd say welcome to the forum, but let's face it welcome to The Thread When the site isn't forcing you to get a new profile or selling your email to spammers, there's a pretty good group of guys keeping tabs on the local waters.
I'm not the most experienced angler around here but it sounds like your strategy was real good and it sounds like you found em bunched up over a heck of a piece of underwater structure. It is early March still. Then again, if this week's weather doesnt make them move i'm going to give up fishing. Do you remember the water temps?
Chris S reply :
On 3/11/2012 at 9:30 AM, bassinKS said:Anyone been to LaCygne lately? I'm going to head down there next weekend and was wondering if anyone know what they are hitting on or direction of where to go? thanks guys!
Fished Monday, creature baits along the rock wall on the left past the discharge, they hit them on the fall. Pitch near any type of cover, sticks, rocks etc they are holdinh tight. I fished the discharge for 10 minutes and got fed up with the wind.
pbrussell reply :
Chris, what were the water temperatures like? I expect them to spike with this gorgeous weather we're having.
Chris S reply :
On 3/14/2012 at 11:01 AM, pbrussell said:Chris, what were the water temperatures like? I expect them to spike with this gorgeous weather we're having.
High 60's on ledges and Low 70's at discharge
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/12/2012 at 3:24 AM, pbrussell said:Hey folks. I'm new to the forums, and decided to join up mostly because of the central section right here. I'm already a member of some other forums, but I just might stick around to mine for more information. Seems like a nice place. At any rate, I went out to louisburg middle creek yesterday. I couldn't buy a bite. There were guys catching crappie left and right, but no bass to be found.
I fished chunk rock, riprap dam, main lake points with standing timber, submerged roadbed, shallows with timber, shallow water adjacent to deeper water, etc. etc. etc.
Fished football and arkie style jigs, and lipless cranks. I would have thrown a jerkbait around the dam, but it was too windy to hold my boat in position. It was also too windy to make any true finesse fishing possible.
Anyhow, I wasn't the only one with limited success. All the other folks I chatted with that were on the hunt for those little green guys reported no bites for them as well. Perhaps it was the high pressure. Perhaps that lake just sucks. Anyhow, I'm hoping to hit miami county, or la cygne next week. Not going to louisburg middle creek any time soon, that's for sure.
Welcome to the forum PB! Middle creek sucks, that's the only way to put it. Even the state guys I've talked to said the same thing. They just can't seem to get much other than crappie and catfish to do any good in that lake. There's much better lakes to fish. Even as hard as La Cygne is most days it's only 10 minutes further for me so I'd much rather drive there and at least I have a shot at a monster out there.
Hi Salenity reply :
Made it to the State lake Today. The water temp was 64* and the bite is picking up a lot. I was there Monday? and the water temp was only 57 but I caught a few.
I took the Kayak back Today with 2 rods. Each had a 1/2oz Jig/Rage and I beat up on them pretty good. Nothing big all were 2-3 pounds & most were closer to 2 pounds . I know for a short while I was getting bit or catching a fish on almost every cast before they shut off!.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/16/2012 at 11:28 AM, Hi Salenity said:Made it to the State lake Today. The water temp was 64* and the bite is picking up a lot. I was there Monday? and the water temp was only 57 but I caught a few.
I took the Kayak back Today with 2 rods. Each had a 1/2oz Jig/Rage and I beat up on them pretty good. Nothing big all were 2-3 pounds & most were closer to 2 pounds . I know for a short while I was getting bit or catching a fish on almost every cast before they shut off!.
Which state lake is that? Sounds like a good time!
Hi Salenity reply :
http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Where-to-Fish-in-Kansas/Fishing-Locations-Public-Waters/Region-2/Miami-State-Fishing-Lake
It's just north of Lacygne.
A guy caught a 6 pounder fishing for Crappie while I was there, thankfully he forgot his stringer and it got put back.
Chris S reply :
Heading to Hillsdale Saturday morning! Hope the water temp is above 58!!!!!!!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/16/2012 at 6:12 PM, Hi Salenity said:http://kdwpt.state.k...te-Fishing-Lake
It's just north of Lacygne.
A guy caught a 6 pounder fishing for Crappie while I was there, thankfully he forgot his stringer and it got put back.
Love that little lake. It's rough getting to but I think that keeps the pressure off the bass a little. Lots of healthy fish in that lake.
retro basser reply :
I'm definitley making the trip to Miami Co this season. Sounds like a goodn'
Got the boat out for the winter yesterday and drug it down to DGCO lake to see how things are coming along. Water surface temp was 56 there in the morning and 64 in spots in the afternoon. Couldnt believe it actually. Sonar was showing alot of fish on the bottom and some suspending around 15' with the vast majority clinging to primary points still, so I have a feeling the water below about 8 feet is still pretty cold.
Caught about a dozen dinks on a little bit of everthing, craw colored crankbait and carolina rigged plastics worked best. I amused myself for a bit trying to find a plastic in my box they wouldnt bite at. That game ended with a lot of chewed up plastic and tiny bass to show for it lol. I couldnt care, the first day in the sun after winter felt great.
pbrussell reply :
Went to Miami state fishing lake today, and wacked the crap out of em. It was hard fishing in the wind, but still had a really great day. Oh, finally got the skunk out of the boat too! Most of the fish were dinks, but they sure were active. Would've been nice to run into that six pounder mentioned earlier. At any rate, here was the nicest fish of the day that I caught.
Hi Salenity reply :
I went back to the state lake this morning. The morning started off slow. I had a Jig/Rage tied to both rods and for a while I thought I needed to be using something else. But they warmed up to the Jig after a while and it turned out to be a GREAT morning! In between the 2 pounders there were some nice fish.
The first 4 pounder.
The second 4 pounder
And a 6.5
I'm SURE I would have done better if I had one of those Rage hats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bassinKS reply :
I too went out to Miami on Saturday and my dad and I whacked um a lot of small fish but we managed some 2-4lbers my biggest being on one of my first hand tied jigs with a rage trailer. It was awesome to get out on the boat for the first time and catch a lot of fish.
pbrussell reply :
Sheesh, congrats on the awesome catches at miami. I wish we could've got into some like that, and i'm sure we would've if we could've slowed down. The wind just prevented us from throwing anything than fast moving baits. Looks like I'm gonna have to get out there again if you pulled 4 pounders, and a 6 out of there!
bassinKS reply :
pbrussell what time were you out there on Saturday I feel like we passed you guys on our way in if you were fishing points we had a camo boat. we were out from like 1pm to 4 or 5pm
Bluebasser86 reply :
Man, the fish are biting good at Miami and here I am with a broken down boat trailer 
At least you guys are getting them. That 6.5 is the biggest fish I've heard of anyone catching out of there actually, very healthy looking fish!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 3/20/2012 at 9:32 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Man, the fish are biting good at Miami and here I am with a broken down boat trailer
Honestly the pic makes the fish look skinny, but it's OK because the pic makes me look skinny too! lol
I saw a fish jump the day I was there that looked to be around 8+ I am fairly sure it was a bass.
pbrussell reply :
On 3/20/2012 at 9:29 AM, bassinKS said:pbrussell what time were you out there on Saturday I feel like we passed you guys on our way in if you were fishing points we had a camo boat. we were out from like 1pm to 4 or 5pm
We left around 2, and three of us were in an older stratos fish and sky. Grey/Blue with a 90 evinrude.
bassinKS reply :
oh we passed you, you were headed in we were headed out.
Chris S reply :
On 3/20/2012 at 9:32 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Man, the fish are biting good at Miami and here I am with a broken down boat trailer
You getting it fixed? We whacked big Whites at Hillsdale Saturday in the Hurricane Wind last Saturday!!
retro basser reply :
Monday the 19th was a good morning to be out until the rain hit. I was really hoping it would hold off till afternoon but it came through here about 10 something at DGCO. Due to a newly discovered chair post hole in the floor of my boat that one of the previous owners was kind enough just to hide instead of actually epoxy over... I'm not fishing in the rain for awhile
Anyway, I caught this 14'' right away on a craw wigglewart, one of the bigger ones i've caught out there... I'm ready to hunt some bigger prey, but sure am glad this lake is so close to my house, they are so easy to catch out there. Definitley a good lake to take a youngster learning the bass bite...
oh, mid lake water was 62 deg lol.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Retro, have you ever fished Spring Creek Lake? It's a tiny little lake just southeast of Baldwin City but there is some really nice fish in it. It isn't a numbers lake but the quality is there. We fished in the rain from 7am-5pm Monday and caught some really nice fish pond hopping.
uptonfish reply :
anyone fished La Cynge lately? I am headed over to my bro in-law's(olathe) on Friday and we are going to fish somewhere. I live in Columbia, MO so not sure what lakes are "hot" right now over there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Sounds like Miami State Lake has been hot lately. La Cygne is really hit or miss. You get it on a good day you can light them up, pick the wrong day and you might not get a bite. Most of the smaller state and city lakes are good right now with the warming water temps.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/21/2012 at 11:10 PM, Chris Schauer said:You getting it fixed? We whacked big Whites at Hillsdale Saturday in the Hurricane Wind last Saturday!!
Yeah I busted a hub on the trailer last week on the way home from Clinton, MO. I picked up the new hub today so I just have to get it put together and get it on the trailer. Might be able to just float it off the trailer in the driveway if it keeps raining like it has been.
bassinKS reply :
Probably going to hit Miami State Lake again this weekend and curious to see what this rain will do to them.
What you guys think?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Miami usually isn't that clear anyways, I wouldn't worry about it too much. Plus it hasn't been a cold rain so it shouldn't have lowered the water temps much if at all. They love a jig, trap, and squarebill down there, all good dirty water baits.
pbrussell reply :
Thinking about hitting perry for the first time this weekend. Any pointers?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fish shallow and fish the rocks. I like the marina by the dam and the marina and rocks along the road in the arm on the northwest (rock creek marina I believe). The rocks along the road in slough Creek and Rock Creek there is a rock bank with a good channel swing with some stumps and logs close to the bank that holds nice fish. The cove that Slough Creek ramp is in has a point to the southeast of the ramp that has several brushpiles that are submerged. If you can find them they usually have fish in them. I like dark colored plastics, flipping tubes, baby and full sized brush hogs are some of my favorites. Spinnerbaits, squarebills, and traps can also be good. Cranks are fun because you can get into the white bass and saugeyes at times also. If all else fails the crappie should be biting well out there also.
pbrussell reply :
I wonder if the spawn will be going on, if it hasn't already.
Guess we'll see. I'd love to run into some big girls
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/23/2012 at 10:42 AM, pbrussell said:I wonder if the spawn will be going on, if it hasn't already.
Guess we'll see. I'd love to run into some big girls
I doubt it is in a big lake like that. I haven't seen any beds in the ponds yet and a friend of mine said Melvern was 55-58 a couple days ago. But the big females should be feeding up and getting ready to move up soon.
pbrussell reply :
On 3/23/2012 at 11:15 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I doubt it is in a big lake like that. I haven't seen any beds in the ponds yet and a friend of mine said Melvern was 55-58 a couple days ago. But the big females should be feeding up and getting ready to move up soon.
Thanks for all the pointers. I bought a lake map last night, and I'll probably call the marina today to see what water temps are. Last question on perry is this, was there a recent bass kill in the lake? I got reading various lake reports and one guy said last year was awful for perry because the bass population disappeared (then mentioned something about a virus, etc). Did this guy just have trouble finding them or was there a legitimate bass kill in the lake?
retro basser reply :
On 3/23/2012 at 8:57 PM, pbrussell said:Thanks for all the pointers. I bought a lake map last night, and I'll probably call the marina today to see what water temps are. Last question on perry is this, was there a recent bass kill in the lake? I got reading various lake reports and one guy said last year was awful for perry because the bass population disappeared (then mentioned something about a virus, etc). Did this guy just have trouble finding them or was there a legitimate bass kill in the lake?
The bass virus hit Lonestar I think but not Perry. The schools of fish out there are just amazing. I regularly saw schools of shad as big as my boat out there last summer, and I know people catch 6+ pounders regularly out of Perry. It is big water though so if you dont really get serious about targeting structure it's easy to be out of the strikezone. Blue's spots are real good, proven spots. Hell I didnt even know about the one by the slough ramp and i've probably cruised right over it a dozen times. Funny how hard it is to fish right by the ramp when all you want to do is get out there.
This time of year i'd be hard pressed not to try those two main lake points that are narrow necked pennsulas on the map. The main channel swings right by them and they are likely to be massive early season bass magnets. Of course the wind will probably make you earn it out there...
Blue: I have never heard of spring creek but will certainly look it up. I love the out of the way places like that... Going to head up to Nebo St next weekend to see about 8lb bass, hopefully with nowhere to hide in that little lake. hehe
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/23/2012 at 8:57 PM, pbrussell said:Thanks for all the pointers. I bought a lake map last night, and I'll probably call the marina today to see what water temps are. Last question on perry is this, was there a recent bass kill in the lake? I got reading various lake reports and one guy said last year was awful for perry because the bass population disappeared (then mentioned something about a virus, etc). Did this guy just have trouble finding them or was there a legitimate bass kill in the lake?
He must have been having a hard time finding them. Perry was flooded for a lot of last year so they had a lot of room to spread around. We had 2 20-25 pound 5 fish limits from Perry last year and didn't fish it many times. Both those limits were caught on days that were cut short by the 100+ degree heat too.
On 3/23/2012 at 10:24 PM, retro basser said:The bass virus hit Lonestar I think but not Perry. The schools of fish out there are just amazing. I regularly saw schools of shad as big as my boat out there last summer, and I know people catch 6+ pounders regularly out of Perry. It is big water though so if you dont really get serious about targeting structure it's easy to be out of the strikezone. Blue's spots are real good, proven spots. Hell I didnt even know about the one by the slough ramp and i've probably cruised right over it a dozen times. Funny how hard it is to fish right by the ramp when all you want to do is get out there.
This time of year i'd be hard pressed not to try those two main lake points that are narrow necked pennsulas on the map. The main channel swings right by them and they are likely to be massive early season bass magnets. Of course the wind will probably make you earn it out there...
Blue: I have never heard of spring creek but will certainly look it up. I love the out of the way places like that... Going to head up to Nebo St next weekend to see about 8lb bass, hopefully with nowhere to hide in that little lake. hehe
Don't bother going to Nebo, they're making that stuff up about 8lb bass in that tiny lake 
Acutally if you catch her she'll look something like this.
That's from a couple years ago out there. Don't expect to catch many but there are some big ones swimming in there. It's a shallow, muddy little lake with several brush piles and lots of lilly pads in the north end. That one ate a red shad Yum wolley bug in a brushpile straight across from the boat ramp. If you do catch her or one of her sisters, please put them back. Those fish are my Kansas version of Dottie. That one is missing part of the bottom of her tail and I've caught her a couple times and watched her get bigger from catching her and from pictures of when KDWP shocks that lake and rolls her up. I'd be heartbroken to know she went on someone's wall 
Hi Salenity reply :
^^^Nice fish^^^
I went back to the state lake this morning for 2 hours. I had them going from the first cast. in fact I either caught a fish or missed a hook set on the first 15 casts!!! I was fishing a Big-O jig and was having a bit of trouble with the hook sets on my 7' Kistler after the insert fell out of my7'6'' Veritas! I am having Siebert Outdoors make me some jigs with Trokar hooks that I think will help out.
2 Hours and probably 24 fish Today. Nothing quite went 3 pounds but it was still a great day. Typical day they turn on and off like a light switch.
I saw my first snake of the season (close up)! I'll post a pic of it if it turned out.
The rain made over 1000000 potholes in the gravel roads on the way to the lake I wouldn't drive anything nice out there.
retro basser reply :
On 3/24/2012 at 1:58 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Don't bother going to Nebo, they're making that stuff up about 8lb bass in that tiny lake
That's from a couple years ago out there. Don't expect to catch many but there are some big ones swimming in there. It's a shallow, muddy little lake with several brush piles and lots of lilly pads in the north end. That one ate a red shad Yum wolley bug in a brushpile straight across from the boat ramp. If you do catch her or one of her sisters, please put them back. Those fish are my Kansas version of Dottie. That one is missing part of the bottom of her tail and I've caught her a couple times and watched her get bigger from catching her and from pictures of when KDWP shocks that lake and rolls her up. I'd be heartbroken to know she went on someone's wall
Wow! what a momma bass... I need to know what it's like to fight one of those into the boat! If i'm lucky enough to land her I promise to put her back...hell, I could buy an awful lot of lures for the couple hundred bucks it costs to get a fish like that stuffed...
This is gonna be a good week...
Bluebasser86 reply :
She was 7lbs 14ozs that time. It's the last time I caught her but I've seen her in pictures on KDWP's website since then when they shocked it. She'd be a great replica if you get her measurements, I think she was close to 25 inches long, don't know the girth. They like big, heavy, dark colored jigs that make lots of noise, brush hogs, and beaver style baits. I've done well with a square bill also but be careful running them through brush, they're all full of fishing line since they can pretty much all be reached from the shore.
On a side note, I'll be on Melvern Monday if the forecasted winds don't go up too much. I need some wind for a good bite this kind of year, but there's a fine line between some and too much on that lake.
pbrussell reply :
Went to perry yesterday. Water was pretty muddy, at least by my standards. Maybe that's just perry, but I'm sure the rain didn't help.
Caught 2 whites, 2 largies, and 3 drum. Talk about a weird day.
All of my bass came out of Rock creek, on the thin rock point by the marina.
Went to slough creek and fished some rocky points, and caught three drum, two of them on a jig. Once I started catching drum, that's all I could catch. Guess I got cursed at the end of the day.
Not a great day by any standards, but I guess I did alright for tackling big water for the first time.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Perry tends to be pretty dirty. That may change with the zebra mussels in there but that is still to be seen. What did that first largemouth weigh? Hard to tell by the camera angle. Perry is tough in the spring, I like it a lot better once it gets hot out. There is tons of drum in that lake and they aren't hard to catch. They slam a jig though don't they? Really gets your blood pumping until you see the ugly thing you've just hooked.
pbrussell reply :
Unsure on the weight of the largemouth. I can only speculate. Heavy three, or low four maybe?
I would've weighed her, but the wind was blowing me right in the point so I just threw her back.
Here's a picture at a different angle that doesnt make her look so huge, but man she was fat.
But yeah, my heart sure was pounding with those drum. I thought that I had a some huge largies on, but only weird purple and white fish that knocked at me and smelled bad. Oh well.
Hi Salenity reply :
I made it back to the state lake for a couple hours this evening to try out the new Kayak. I think the lake was probably fished pretty hard over the weekend. It was one here one there for a while until I found them then the bite was on! They had moved in a little shallower than last time and it was just the smaller males and no big girls.
This is a pic of the first fish out of the new yack. not big but a pretty fish.
bassinKS reply :
I also made it back to Miami County but that was on Saturday and we did pretty good again caught 2 or 3 nice fish and a bunch of small ones ill upload pics later. All my nice ones came off of my hand tied jigs which made it that much better (i just started tying like 3 weeks ago) and a rage craw as a trailer.
bassinKS reply :
These were the two biggest of the day. I wish I had batteries for my scale figured out it was dead after we got out there
retro basser reply :
I took my first trip over to the rock creek side of Perry yesterday and paid my dues. Water was above 60 in the water above the bridge, guys were all over the bank catching crappie but not in great numbers yet, mos people said they had about 5 or so...
I fished all morning all over that arm without a bite to show for it until about 1 'oclock I ran a trap across the end of that skinny rock point which was facing the wind. It was a bonanza. Almost every cast i was catching a good sized striped or largemouth bass. The smaller whites were 1.5 lbs so i finally broke down and threw some in the livewell. Figured I might as well do it up like Chris and take home some free dinner if i'm going to be out there fightin wind anyway...Score!
Finally bought a scale, this guy was just shy of 3lbs
retro basser reply :
Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you guys. A couple of the striped bass were kinda blueish colored on the lower fins, is that a disease or something? Safe to eat?
Chris S reply :
On 3/27/2012 at 10:01 PM, retro basser said:Oh yeah, I wanted to ask you guys. A couple of the striped bass were kinda blueish colored on the lower fins, is that a disease or something? Safe to eat?
Guessing those fish found some nice crawfish to munch on!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/27/2012 at 9:53 PM, retro basser said:I took my first trip over to the rock creek side of Perry yesterday and paid my dues. Water was above 60 in the water above the bridge, guys were all over the bank catching crappie but not in great numbers yet, mos people said they had about 5 or so...
I fished all morning all over that arm without a bite to show for it until about 1 'oclock I ran a trap across the end of that skinny rock point which was facing the wind. It was a bonanza. Almost every cast i was catching a good sized striped or largemouth bass. The smaller whites were 1.5 lbs so i finally broke down and threw some in the livewell. Figured I might as well do it up like Chris and take home some free dinner if i'm going to be out there fightin wind anyway...Score!
Finally bought a scale, this guy was just shy of 3lbs
Very healthy looking, solid Perry lake bass! I still think that is one of the most underrated bass lakes in the state.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went with a couple buddies to Melvern Monday to see if anything was going on. I caught a fish on my 4th cast of the morning, probably over 100 casts in between, and my last cast of the day. There was not many times throughout the day that one of us was not fighting a fish. We didn't take many pictures because nobody wanted to stop to run the camera. I had 43 smallmouth/spotted bass just by myself, not counting the tons of white bass, 3 crappie, and 7 walleye I also caught. I would feel safe estimating we caught between 150 and 200 fish, just crazy all day. Nothing real big, I caught a walleye that was 21" was the biggest fish of the day. We took home a gallon bag and a quart freezer bag with 3 crappie, 8 walleye, and a dozen or so white bass, by far the most fish I've kept in a long time but I'm sure my grandparents will love them!
2012 bass count=420
retro basser reply :
On 3/27/2012 at 10:19 PM, Chris Schauer said:Guessing those fish found some nice crawfish to munch on!
Well that's a relief cause we just got done eating them lol... Knew you'd know. Thanks!
By the way, I gutted and scaled them and roasted them whole. Heads on and all. They were just as tender as fried and way more flavor cause we packed them in a bunch of herbs and stuff before we cooked em.
Well sounds like they were eating everything down at Melvern, day must have flown by... Did that week of rain fill it up any?
pbrussell reply :
Sounds like I need to get down to melvern and catch some smallmouth. Believe it or not, I've never caught one
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/28/2012 at 10:08 AM, retro basser said:Well that's a relief cause we just got done eating them lol... Knew you'd know. Thanks!
By the way, I gutted and scaled them and roasted them whole. Heads on and all. They were just as tender as fried and way more flavor cause we packed them in a bunch of herbs and stuff before we cooked em.
Well sounds like they were eating everything down at Melvern, day must have flown by... Did that week of rain fill it up any?
They were actually only eating jerkbaits, specifically slender pointer 97's, pointer 78's, and vision 110's. We had a few on shakeyheads and gulp minnows but nothing like the jerkbaits. The day did go by unfortunately fast. The rain filled it up a little but it is still way down.
On 3/28/2012 at 10:41 AM, pbrussell said:Sounds like I need to get down to melvern and catch some smallmouth. Believe it or not, I've never caught one
You should give it a shot. Melvern is one of my favorite lakes to fish and smallmouth bass are an absolute blast to catch and very pretty fish.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 3/28/2012 at 10:41 AM, pbrussell said:Sounds like I need to get down to melvern and catch some smallmouth. Believe it or not, I've never caught one
x2
That looked like a fun day to say the least!
Doc-Drew reply :
Hey guys I am planning on taking my girlfriend fishing in my 2-man inflatable boat if the weather is nice. I would like to be able yo tag into some fish so she doesn't get bored. I would prefer bass but she doesn't care what she catches as long as she catches fish. From what I have read Miami sounds like it is producing decent quantities of fish. I would appreciate any advice on where to go or what to use on Miami or any other smaller lake. Thanks a bunch.
Hi Salenity reply :
I went to 2 lakes Yesterday with Miami being one of them. After a bout 4 hours of fishing my total of fish caught for the day was .................1
Yep I said 1
bassinKS reply :
I caught my bigger ones on jigs 2 cast in a row and then A LOT of small ones on a single tail grub like a rage grub if little power bait ones in green and white or green pumpkin just fished with a slow retrieve. Where we were u would need a boat...we went from theboat ramp straight across to the "cove" where I caught the two in the pic then we fished that whole bank on the other side of the cove.
I hope this helps!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/29/2012 at 9:05 PM, CCC-Drew said:Hey guys I am planning on taking my girlfriend fishing in my 2-man inflatable boat if the weather is nice. I would like to be able yo tag into some fish so she doesn't get bored. I would prefer bass but she doesn't care what she catches as long as she catches fish. From what I have read Miami sounds like it is producing decent quantities of fish. I would appreciate any advice on where to go or what to use on Miami or any other smaller lake. Thanks a bunch.
If you are willing to make the drive Lyon State Lake, Douglas County, Bourban State Lake, or Atchison State Lake would be my picks if you're taking your girlfriend and want to make sure she catches something. Douglas would be the closest but you aren't going to catch anything bigger than a couple ponds out there. Lyon has tons of fish and some bigger ones but you have to go through lots of small ones, Bourban and Atchison are pretty much the same way I guess. A 3 or 4 inch grub on an 1/8oz jighead cast out and reeled in slowly is how my wife catches a lot of her fish and just about anything will eat it. Miami is a good lake most of the time but I've been out there when they just won't bite anything before too.
retro basser reply :
On 3/29/2012 at 9:29 PM, Hi Salenity said:I went to 2 lakes Yesterday with Miami being one of them. After a bout 4 hours of fishing my total of fish caught for the day was .................1
Yep I said 1
d**n, sounds like the coldfront got em. I'm hoping tomorrow is good, sounds like a bluebird day...
Drew:
I would agree with the grub but would suggest adding a small colorado spinner to keep it from snagging. Nothing wrong with a worm and a bobber if she doesn't want to cast all the time. Could be just my experience with women, but they tend to prefer things that require little to no effort.
pbrussell reply :
Going to perry again tomorrow. I'm thinking of getting off the beaten path and going up north, into the little slough creek arm. Has anyone ever heard of anyone doing very well up this far? There are some interesting features on my map that have me intrigued. Anyhow, unless someone can convince me otherwise (that the fishing is terrible up there), I'll be launching from there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/31/2012 at 1:16 AM, pbrussell said:Going to perry again tomorrow. I'm thinking of getting off the beaten path and going up north, into the little slough creek arm. Has anyone ever heard of anyone doing very well up this far? There are some interesting features on my map that have me intrigued. Anyhow, unless someone can convince me otherwise (that the fishing is terrible up there), I'll be launching from there.
I've done well up around Old Town but further than that the bottom is mainly mud, great for catfishing and bowfishing gar but not so much for bass fishing. I can't find Little Slough Creek on the map though?? What ramp are you planning on putting in at?
pbrussell reply :
Little slough creek is pretty much that small arm that juts to the right around old town. According to my map, there's some nice channel banks, points, rock, and pockets all in that area.
Bluebasser86 reply :
We have done pretty well in that area before, even up in the creek in the cove, it has some pretty decent water with good laydowns. There is also a small marina cove with some good water and rock cover and a couple brushpiles. The riprap along the highway 92 bridge and the riprap around the Old Town boat ramp can both be pretty good also. We don't usually fish up there because there is more places to fish on the south end of the lake and it's a long run with my 16' aluminum and a 60hp motor.
Doc-Drew reply :
Well we ended up going to Miami and I am glad we did. As soon as we got their we noticed a lot of small fishing jumping after bugs. I tied on a small grub for my girlfriend to use and after about 5 casts she asked if I had anything that they would jump after. I gave her a skitter-pop and she used it all day. Surprisingly, the fish were very aggressive. Between the two of us we probably caught 40-50 bass. Most were in the 8-12 inch range but 8 were about 12 with the biggest being 15.5. Nothing too big but the topwater action sure made her happy. Catching fish and a happy woman, can't get much better than that.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Glad to hear you both caught some fish! I'll be taking my wife to Wyco again this Sunday. Hopefully she listens and puts on some sunblock this time. She's still not over her sunburn from last week Hopefully the bass are biting better out there this week. We both caught some but the dang trout kept eating our baits instead.
Big trout on a wiggle wart.
Since they kept eating our baits we gave up and started fishing for them.
This one was a really nice one that ate one of my homemade trout jigs. It doesn't look very big in this picture but the stringer shot with my wife you can tell how big he really was. The other big one is the one that ate the wiggle wart.
Hopefully we'll be catching bass this week like we were catching trout last week.
retro basser reply :
Fished Nebo State Friday and Saturday morning and it was brutal. I thought that overcast foggy morning would really have them flying around but It was so calm i'm choosing to blame the bluebird effect. I threw all sorts of stuff at them, spinners and traps weren't working, I got a nice new crank caught on the second cast so i gave up on that. Went slow with dark colored rattling jigs and Carolina plastics. Even tried a downsized dropshot 4' worm...nothing all day Friday. The bites that i would get were more like swipes, nothing would commit.
One older guy out there was picking a couple off sporadically, he was a pretty good fisherman, and you gotta give a guy credit who isnt afraid to use a rocky bank as a dock for a $30K Ranger boat so he can go fishing without a buddy to help park the truck. Anyway he was running a texas rigged smoke tube with a weight and bead so I rigged up one of those and that gave me some success Saturday morning. Still, I often had to wait through some nibbles for them to fully commit to the bait before setting the hook to catch a fish...
So i'm writing all this because one kid the next day thought it must be so slow because they were spawning, he fishes there often. A fair guess since the water was 67 degrees. But i swear the were still mostly staged around the two main lower points on radar. What do you guys think? I spent a lot of frustrated hours on that water trying to figure something out...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm not sure there is a ton of bass in that lake. There is for sure a ton of food for them in there though. Lots of small bluegills, crappie, and shad. I've had very limited success in that lake on moving baits. A big, black 3/4oz jig with half a full sized black sapphire brushhog is one of my best baits out there. A junebug curly tail worm has done well for me also. If all else fails a black and blue flipping tube with a rattle or an Eakin's flipping jig in black and blue will usually get a couple bites. It's a tough lake like I said. Don't expect to get many bites. I bet my best day out there I might have caught 15 or 20 all day, but I had a couple 4's, a 5, and that one that went almost 8.
Took the wife to Wyandotte today and tore them up. I ended with a nice round 40 bass with a good ratio of largemouth to smallmouth, 12-15 crappie, and 2 wipers. Jerkbaits and shakeyheads caught a lot of my fish, a couple on a dropshot, some on a wacky rig, and one on a jig. Taking the old man to Melvern tomorrow, hoping the bite down there holds up!
bassinKS reply :
Anyone fish hilsdale lately im lookin to go down there after school today any pointers?
Chris S reply :
On 4/2/2012 at 11:37 PM, bassinKS said:Anyone fish hilsdale lately im lookin to go down there after school today any pointers?
Fished the Dam Saturday for Walley from my boat, ended up with 3 shorts and a live well filled with BIG whites, Night bite 7 to 11pm seems to be the best for Walleye I just cant keep the 7 yr old out to late, Mid dam I saw two guys at 730pm-8ish catching Whites. 1/4 oz jig head and curlytail grub white or lime green or 1/2 oz blue, chrome and orange rattle trap.
retro basser reply :
Yeah i'll try Nebo again someday, it's worth it just to have a shot at a 5 pounder much less a 7-8. I'm not that good with a jig yet but i did have a 3/4 oz one black blue one with a rattle and a havoc pit boss goin quite a bit. I also tried a junebug 7' ribbontail worm in places. I just couldnt convince any it was a good thing to eat. Now KDWP and both guys I talked to out there were using spinnerbaits and I totally agree more that moving baits are not for that lake. Maybe Nebo bass never had to work that hard for a meal in their lives.
Went to Lonestar Monday morning just to see how it's doing this season. It was a wierd day: I caught crappie on bass lures and a bass on a crappie jig. I caught alot fewer bass than i normally do because i was using much larger lures to try to see if anything of decent size was out there. Crappie must be gettin pretty active out there because I caught one just 10'' long on a big ol' 1/2 oz terminator spinnerbait.
Water was 68, they were up in the docks and the grass already, nothing on the main lake. Baits with chartreuse in them seemed to work well.
This was the biggest bass of the day, over 16'' actually but didn't even weigh 2 pounds
Schweiger reply :
New member here whats going on gents..I like all the pics!!I I usualy fish LaCygne or Smithville sometimes Hillsdale. Rough water at LaCygne last time I was out when we pulled the boat out of the water and pulled the plug it was draining quite a bit (which it never does). So I'm gonna go somewhere close on Friday just to make sure the boats ok/not taking on water. Might try Olathe/Gardner lake...any thoughts?!
bassinKS reply :
Welcome! And I have not fished those two at all this year only two I have fished have been la cynge and Miami county. I was going to head out to hillsdale but ended up at Miami again.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/5/2012 at 2:57 PM, Schweiger said:New member here whats going on gents..I like all the pics!!I I usualy fish LaCygne or Smithville sometimes Hillsdale. Rough water at LaCygne last time I was out when we pulled the boat out of the water and pulled the plug it was draining quite a bit (which it never does). So I'm gonna go somewhere close on Friday just to make sure the boats ok/not taking on water. Might try Olathe/Gardner lake...any thoughts?!
You may have just not gotten the plug in all the way. I do that sometimes and it's surprising how much water can come in if the plug isn't just right. I have never had any success at Olathe this time of year, seems like the water is always really stained and the fish are even fewer and further between than they normally are out there. Gardner on the other hand tends to have a pretty good jerkbait/wacky rig bite going right now, the fish just tend to average pretty small but there are some bigger ones there. I'd pick Gardner without question if it was me.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Kill Creek for the first time this year to do a little fishing before work. The wind blew a little harder than I was hoping it would that made boat control tough and my wrist is killing me from fishing a jerkbait so much this spring. Caught 14, all dinks and mostly on jerkbaits. Had a couple flipping a pit boss and a couple on a wacky rig too. Tons of moss right now made it pretty tough to fish the trees very much. Best area was the shoreline without trees on the west bank.
pbrussell reply :
Trying to figure out what to do with the approaching storms today folks. Some of em look pretty nasty. Gonna wait it out and see if I can't launch somewhere this afternoon I guess. Hopefully the storms roll through sooner than later
retro basser reply :
Headed out to fish DGCO yesterday, boy the cold front shut em down. Only fish i caught before noon was 25ft straight down on a hula grub.
Picked up a little bit in the afternoon but they wanted finesse stuff. Seems like that's the only time it's felt 'cold' all spring. Wonder how long it will take them to recover.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished a pond with a friend before work today. We smacked them around pretty good on squarebills, traps, and a pit boss. Nothing huge but a lot of fun. I had a couple dozen and my buddy probably had about the same amount. Up to 579 on the year now.
pbrussell reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 5:21 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished a pond with a friend before work today. We smacked them around pretty good on squarebills, traps, and a pit boss. Nothing huge but a lot of fun. I had a couple dozen and my buddy probably had about the same amount. Up to 579 on the year now.
Man, you're just slayin em. Making the rest of us look bad. Well, making me look bad anyway!
retro basser reply :
On 4/8/2012 at 5:21 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished a pond with a friend before work today. We smacked them around pretty good on squarebills, traps, and a pit boss. Nothing huge but a lot of fun. I had a couple dozen and my buddy probably had about the same amount. Up to 579 on the year now.
No kiddin, you are slayin em. Glad your keepin count, I think I lost track at uhhhh.... 500
Headin up to Atchison County State Lake tomm, looks like a well-maintained property. Anyone have any tips on fishing up there?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/10/2012 at 5:36 AM, retro basser said:No kiddin, you are slayin em. Glad your keepin count, I think I lost track at uhhhh.... 500
Headin up to Atchison County State Lake tomm, looks like a well-maintained property. Anyone have any tips on fishing up there?
Atchison is a fun little lake. Lots and lots of dinks with a few bigger ones mixed in. The fishing piers on the south bank are usually good to run a crankbait along. The north side usually has a lot of milfoil that you should be able to run a crankbait over the top. My best baits out there are usually bandit 100's in tennessee shad or louisiana shad. There's lots of brushpiles that have been placed in the lake, don't be scared to run a crankbait into those trees, that's how I've caught some of my biggest fish out of there. Flipping the trees is hit or miss for me. Flipping green pumpkin baby brush hogs has been really good a few times up there. One of the best days I've had up there was this time of year on a Strike King Quad shad spinnerbait in white with silver blades.
I would also suggest checking out Warnock Lake while you're up there. It's also called Atchison city lake 23. It's in the town of Atchison and it's even smaller than the state lake. It's very shallow and weedy with several brushpiles but it has very good quality sized bass in it. I haven't caught anything as big as I have out of the state lake but I've caught way more 3-5 pounders out of it that I have from the state lake. It doesn't have the numbers in it either but it seems like when you get one it's usually pretty solid.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Garnder Lake today from shore on my lunch break. I was at the far south end just past the very last no wake buoy throwing a one knocker xcaliber 50 in ghost color as far as I could throw it, which was over halfway across the cove. 27 bass in 30 minutes, talk about lighting a school up! The shad were schooled up the bass were waiting in the grass along the channel and rushing them as they swam by. Also caught one catfish that a couple pounds. I sure wish I'd of had my boat and more time! Tried a grass pig on a jighead and a heavy spinnerbait but they weren't interested in either. Most bites were at the top of a rip when I ripped it out of the weeds, or at the bottom of the fall. Nothing big but still a lot of fun.
Hi Salenity reply :
I had about 30 minutes Today to fish Olathe lake for the first time today .
Total amount of fish caught................0
After I got done biding another job I had about an hour to fish Osawatomie lake (closest lake to my house).
To my surprise I caught a nice fat 4.5#er !
Hi Salenity reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 6:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Went to Garnder Lake today from shore on my lunch break. I was at the far south end just past the very last no wake buoy throwing a one knocker xcaliber 50 in ghost color as far as I could throw it, which was over halfway across the cove. 27 bass in 30 minutes, talk about lighting a school up! The shad were schooled up the bass were waiting in the grass along the channel and rushing them as they swam by. Also caught one catfish that a couple pounds. I sure wish I'd of had my boat and more time! Tried a grass pig on a jighead and a heavy spinnerbait but they weren't interested in either. Most bites were at the top of a rip when I ripped it out of the weeds, or at the bottom of the fall. Nothing big but still a lot of fun.
I'm trying to picture this, were you in uniform?
BTW this is this threads 600 reply
retro basser reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 6:51 AM, Hi Salenity said:After I got done biding another job I had about an hour to fish Osawatomie lake (closest lake to my house).
To my surprise I caught a nice fat 4.5#er !
Duuude, Sci-Fi pic! That's one hell of a catch too. Serious bass.
On 4/10/2012 at 10:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Atchison is a fun little lake. Lots and lots of dinks with a few bigger ones mixed in. The fishing piers on the south bank are usually good to run a crankbait along. The north side usually has a lot of milfoil that you should be able to run a crankbait over the top. My best baits out there are usually bandit 100's in tennessee shad or louisiana shad. There's lots of brushpiles that have been placed in the lake, don't be scared to run a crankbait into those trees, that's how I've caught some of my biggest fish out of there. Flipping the trees is hit or miss for me. Flipping green pumpkin baby brush hogs has been really good a few times up there. One of the best days I've had up there was this time of year on a Strike King Quad shad spinnerbait in white with silver blades.
I would also suggest checking out Warnock Lake while you're up there. It's also called Atchison city lake 23. It's in the town of Atchison and it's even smaller than the state lake. It's very shallow and weedy with several brushpiles but it has very good quality sized bass in it. I haven't caught anything as big as I have out of the state lake but I've caught way more 3-5 pounders out of it that I have from the state lake. It doesn't have the numbers in it either but it seems like when you get one it's usually pretty solid.
Thanks for getting back, I took off before dawn and couldn't get very good reception at all up there but yeah what a fun lake. Adrenaline gets going with that 2 mile stretch of gravel to get there. Those are serious hills for a tiny little gravel road...My rig is so heavy i'm trying to hit 50 going down those valleys just to keep it above 10 by the time i hit the peaks, back end is all bustin loose, trailer flying around...what a trip.
I wish i would have gotten to see what you said, i would have tried some cranks. The moving bite was so dead i switched over to a football jig pretty fast and started getting into them everywhere so i was happy. That is just a dang solid lake in so many ways. I'm going back and I'll check out Warnock too. Crappie guys were out in force with not much luck but it was a great day for bassin'
Hi Salenity reply :
Retro, your photo skills are way better than mine. lol How big was that pig of yours?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/11/2012 at 6:51 AM, Hi Salenity said:I had about 30 minutes Today to fish Olathe lake for the first time today .
Total amount of fish caught................0
After I got done biding another job I had about an hour to fish Osawatomie lake (closest lake to my house).
To my surprise I caught a nice fat 4.5#er !
That's a nice fish. I've heard there is nice ones in that lake but I've only fished it once, Just a little to far and one more city permit that I don't need to buy. Not surprised about Olathe, I have stopped even trying thatlake until it starts to get hot and then during the fall also.
On 4/11/2012 at 7:28 AM, Hi Salenity said:I'm trying to picture this, were you in uniform?
BTW this is this threads 600 reply
No but that would be funny wouldn't it? I'm doing my annual core training this week to keep my certification and we had a long lunch. Since the lake is less than a mile from the building it's an easy way to burn the extra time I had. Normally can't leave the building for lunch in case of emergency but since I'm training this week it's a different set of rules.
On 4/11/2012 at 9:48 AM, retro basser said:Duuude, Sci-Fi pic! That's one hell of a catch too. Serious bass.
Thanks for getting back, I took off before dawn and couldn't get very good reception at all up there but yeah what a fun lake. Adrenaline gets going with that 2 mile stretch of gravel to get there. Those are serious hills for a tiny little gravel road...My rig is so heavy i'm trying to hit 50 going down those valleys just to keep it above 10 by the time i hit the peaks, back end is all bustin loose, trailer flying around...what a trip.
I wish i would have gotten to see what you said, i would have tried some cranks. The moving bite was so dead i switched over to a football jig pretty fast and started getting into them everywhere so i was happy. That is just a dang solid lake in so many ways. I'm going back and I'll check out Warnock too. Crappie guys were out in force with not much luck but it was a great day for bassin'
I haven't fished Atchison for a couple years but the same baits worked there for the 4 or 5 years in a row that I fished it so I'm assuming they still would. I never did very well on jig out there but I never fished it in a boat with electronics so we were always just beating the bank and fishing visible cover.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Hit Gardner on lunch again today, 17 this time putting me at 44 in two days in about an hours time. They're gorging on the shad schools there. This one was obviously doing a good job catching the shad.
2012 bass count-625
Hi Salenity reply :
^^^ That's crazy fat!!!^^^ I figured you'd go back after the day you had yesterday.
BTW, don't quote me on this but I think they dropped the permit thing a couple years ago at Osawatomie but you may still need a boat permit I'm not sure?
Do you have to pay every time you go to the power plant?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I went out there a year or two ago and I had to buy a permit but that may have changed since then, I guess I'll have to look and see.
Are you talking about La Cygne? If you go to the main ramps that are in Linn County you have to pay everytime or have a year pass you can buy in the shop by the southernmost ramp. I launch in the river when possible. It's easier if there is a lot of wind, there's good fish in the river at times, and it's free.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Got an invite from a friend whose parents live on Lake Quivira to do a little night fishing tonight, the wife wasn't thrilled but I didn't want to pass up the chance. Wasn't sure we would get to fish long with lightning in the distance and a few raindrops falling but it ended up being a really nice night. I only fished a jig and a chatterbait, both homemade ones. The jig was getting the numbers but the chatterbait was getting the better quality. Biggest one of the night was a nice healthy 4lb 4oz fish.
Ended the night with 33 fish to put me at a nice even 700 bass on the year so far. Not going to make the 1,000 mark by my birthday like I was hoping but 3/4 of the way there ain't bad 
retro basser reply :
Salenity that one was 'just' 3 lbs, went 18.5''. As for the photography, I gave up on trying to get the phone to take the pics and just let a good digi cam do the work
700 huh Blue? Keep it up and we're going to have to start a betting pool. You ready for that kind of pressure?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Going fishing somewhere tomorrow, thinking Miami or Pleasanton. All my regular fishing buddies are working tomorrow so if any of you guys want to tag along I've got an empty back of the boat tomorrow. I'll be leaving early though so if you want to hitch a ride down there be ready to lose some sleep 
Hi Salenity reply :
That sounds like fun but I'm back to my busy season and have to to work in the morning. Good luck and make it a 50+ fish day.
BTW the last few times I've been to the state lake the fishing was a bit off for me. I still managed to get a 4.5# for FOTD but not a lot of other big fish. The grass/moss is really starting to grow fast giving them some cover and moving them from my normal hot spots... & I've also caught a lot of them right on the bank but my 6-8' deep fish aren't there.
BTW, daylight to 9-10 am is by far the best times to fish that lake IMHO.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well the plans to go to Miami got changed a little bit. I met up with Flash (Sam) at Lake Wabunsee after being shown some pictures of some really nice largemouth and smallmouth and being all but guaranteed some quality fish. The lake did not disappoint. I got there about an hour before he did and got to work quickly, catching a solid 18+ inch keeper on one of my homemade jigs, which turned out to be the bait of choice for almost all of the bigger fish I caught.
Sam got there and I was basically on a guided trip for the day only I was running the trolling motor. Mostly caught largemouth but did get a few smaller smallmouth mixed in too. We for sure had 12-15 that would have been close to being keepers (18") and in the 3 pound range and they where munching jigs.
Despite the numbers of quality fish the big fish eluded us, until about 15 minutes before I had to leave. I got a light bite and my hands set the hook before my brain truly registered the bite. Although all the fish fought hard and I'd be mistaken several times thinking I'd hooked a big fish that turned out to be "just another 3 pounder" this fish had strength and weight. After a pretty good little tussle, Sam got the net under her. Board was too short for a measurement but she was very thick and 5lbs 10ozs and almost swallowed my homemade 3/8oz Texas craw jig.
I ended the day with 27 fish to put me at 727 bass on the year. It was good to meet up with another guy from the board. If any of you get the chance to fish with him Sam is a heck of a guy and a really knowledgable fisherman.
retro basser reply :
Awesome day.. Nothing beats new waters... I'm suprised they were biting that well a day after that monster storm rolled through.
Interesting jig color too. I feel like brown/orange/reds give them something that stands out well to look at over black/blue/purple. I've been having good luck with baits with a little 'fire' in em this year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/18/2012 at 5:45 AM, retro basser said:Awesome day.. Nothing beats new waters... I'm suprised they were biting that well a day after that monster storm rolled through.
Interesting jig color too. I feel like brown/orange/reds give them something that stands out well to look at over black/blue/purple. I've been having good luck with baits with a little 'fire' in em this year.
I was surprised they were eating that good too but I've had some of my best days on days that looked like they should be slow on paper.
That jig is my Texas Craw color. A lot of the crawdads in the lakes I fish most of the time have that rusty camo pattern where they're almost orange or red and then dark brown to black in an alternating pattern. I've got a whole album of pictures on my FB page of fish that have fallen for my homemade baits and lots of them ate that exact jig.
kylek reply :
Anybody fish at Smithville Lake lately? I haven't been out there for awhile. Just wondering if the bass are biting??
Thanks everyone
Kyle
Hi Salenity reply :
On 4/18/2012 at 11:34 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I was surprised they were eating that good too but I've had some of my best days on days that looked like they should be slow on paper.
That jig is my Texas Craw color. A lot of the crawdads in the lakes I fish most of the time have that rusty camo pattern where they're almost orange or red and then dark brown to black in an alternating pattern. I've got a whole album of pictures on my FB page of fish that have fallen for my homemade baits and lots of them ate that exact jig.
I'd like to see those pics what's your name on FB? I am getting a jig mold Tomorrow!
pbrussell reply :
Thinking about going to mound city lake this weekend. I need a break from big water for a weekend I think. Anyone have any kind of experience here? I've fished it once and didn't do great, but would like to give it another shot. If not there, I may hit the big pleasonton lake.
ks cranker reply :
Man you all have been wacking them bass! Thinking about heading to Melvern on Saturday to chase some green fish. Anyone been doing any good lately?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/18/2012 at 10:23 PM, pbrussell said:Thinking about going to mound city lake this weekend. I need a break from big water for a weekend I think. Anyone have any kind of experience here? I've fished it once and didn't do great, but would like to give it another shot. If not there, I may hit the big pleasonton lake.
I've done really well at Mound City a couple times but I've never fished it this time of year. I normally do really well on a golden shiner colored tube with a rattle in it or a motoroil colored beaver bait or plastic worm. I've also done well on a chatterbait and shallow running crankbait.
On 4/18/2012 at 10:37 PM, ks cranker said:Man you all have been wacking them bass! Thinking about heading to Melvern on Saturday to chase some green fish. Anyone been doing any good lately?
Last time I was down there a couple weeks ago everything was eating a jerkbait. I would think that would still be true since it hasn't warmed up any since then. A friend of mine was down there earlier this week and did really well on finesse plastics also.
Chris S reply :
On 4/18/2012 at 12:00 PM, Bluebasser86 said:clayton westgate. should be pretty easy to find, the picture of that big one from Monday is my profile picture now.
I looked your name up on FB and the first one that came up was not you but the other Clayton Westgate was holding a Wally!!
Chris S reply :
Ok so I am 100% bored with Hillsdale, this time last year my son and I had a dozen Wally and 50+ whites and crappies, this year we have 0 Wally and 9 nice whites. I am open for new lakes to check out.
If any of you want to go out and fish send me a PM, I have a 2010 LOWE FM165 and tow it with a Nissan Titan. I would only ask for help with gas money. I am off on Saturdays and Sundays. I put an add on craigslist last year and have two guys who go out maybe twice a year with me but I am looking to get back into LMB. I live in Overland Park.
I have only fished Lacygne and Hillsdale since moving here three years ago.
Thanks,
Chris
PS: Here are few pics from the past to make myself feel better about my crappy start to this Spring!! Clayton thanks for posting big arse fish pics!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/19/2012 at 10:16 PM, Chris Schauer said:I looked your name up on FB and the first one that came up was not you but the other Clayton Westgate was holding a Wally!!
Were you able to find me? I think I have my security settings pretty high, you might not be able to find me through a search.
On 4/19/2012 at 10:31 PM, Chris Schauer said:Ok so I am 100% bored with Hillsdale, this time last year my son and I had a dozen Wally and 50+ whites and crappies, this year we have 0 Wally and 9 nice whites. I am open for new lakes to check out.
If any of you want to go out and fish send me a PM, I have a 2010 LOWE FM165 and tow it with a Nissan Titan. I would only ask for help with gas money. I am off on Saturdays and Sundays. I put an add on craigslist last year and have two guys who go out maybe twice a year with me but I am looking to get back into LMB. I live in Overland Park.
I have only fished Lacygne and Hillsdale since moving here three years ago.
Thanks,
Chris
PS: Here are few pics from the past to make myself feel better about my crappy start to this Spring!! Clayton thanks for posting big arse fish pics!!!
Are you looking for something close by? Melvern would be my pick or Pomona if you want something a little closer, maybe Clinton. Perry is a good lake too but not many walleye. Melvern is just a fun lake with lots of smallmouth, whites, and crappie and a pretty good population of walleyes and saugers but it is a little further drive. Personally I'd rather drive a little further if the fishing is going to be a lot better. You spend all that time and money on gas to go to Hillsdale and then the fishings not very good, not worth it to me.
I'd like to get out with you sometime, just have to get the green light from the boss lady to go on a Sunday sometime.
Chris S reply :
On 4/20/2012 at 5:13 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Were you able to find me? I think I have my security settings pretty high, you might not be able to find me through a search.
Are you looking for something close by? Melvern would be my pick or Pomona if you want something a little closer, maybe Clinton. Perry is a good lake too but not many walleye. Melvern is just a fun lake with lots of smallmouth, whites, and crappie and a pretty good population of walleyes and saugers but it is a little further drive. Personally I'd rather drive a little further if the fishing is going to be a lot better. You spend all that time and money on gas to go to Hillsdale and then the fishings not very good, not worth it to me.
I'd like to get out with you sometime, just have to get the green light from the boss lady to go on a Sunday sometime.
Looking to fish when ever and catch what ever! Are Melvern and Perry closer to me than Hillsdale? It takes me maybe 20 minutes to get to Hillsdale from 87th and I-35. My wife married a fisherman and her Dad was one also, she understands the gotta got thing about fishing so no issues with her and me going when ever! I will try ya on FB again today!
Chris S reply :
clayton westgate is a ghost on FB!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/20/2012 at 5:22 AM, Chris Schauer said:Looking to fish when ever and catch what ever! Are Melvern and Perry closer to me than Hillsdale? It takes me maybe 20 minutes to get to Hillsdale from 87th and I-35. My wife married a fisherman and her Dad was one also, she understands the gotta got thing about fishing so no issues with her and me going when ever!
Melvern takes me about an hour and 20 or 30 minutes from Johnson Drive and I-35, Perry is about an hour. Like I said though, if you're going to spend the time and the money might as well go somewhere you can catch something.
I'll have to try to find you on facebook I guess. Don't want to change the settings, don't need anyone of my "customers" looking me up on there . Mondays are always easiest for me to go if you ever get one off.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 4/18/2012 at 12:00 PM, Bluebasser86 said:clayton westgate. should be pretty easy to find, the picture of that big one from Monday is my profile picture now.
I finally had a chance to look but couldn't find you. Mine is under Curtis Hood.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I found Curtis but can't find Chris, There's a bunch of Chris Schauer's out there!
Chris S reply :
On 4/20/2012 at 5:50 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Well I found Curtis but can't find Chris, There's a bunch of Chris Schauer's out there!
I requested them as friends just for fun!!
PS: Found ya!
Hi Salenity reply :
Well Blue we are now friends, Let's keep it that way I have no desire to be a customer! 
Scarecrow reply :
Anyone been up to Mozingo yet? Probably going to head up on Sunday.
pbrussell reply :
So I decided to go with pleasanton east instead of mound city. A little bit closer and it doesn't look like I'll have to deal with a ton of gravel. I know clayton has fished there with success. If anyone else has fished this with success and would like to chime in on some pointers, that'd be great. I have a feeling they'll all still be pretty shallow. It'll be interesting trying to throw together a pattern, but I imagine I'll be pretty shallow most of the time.
Bluebasser86 reply :
They should be eating a spinnerbait, squarebill, or beaver bait out there by now. The island in the middle and the north bank to the west of the west boatramp are my best big fish areas. A Big Texan Havoc Pit Boss will usually catch some fish out there when all else fails.
pbrussell reply :
Caught about 20 bass yesterday. Had three or four come unbuttoned and missed a couple of bites. Most of my fish came on a black/blue jig, but had some takers on squarebills, deep diving cranks, and a pit boss. I thought the biggest fish of the day was this guy.
As you can see, I was fooled. That rock sure did fight like a seven pounder 
Anyhow, here is the actual biggest fish of the day. Once again, didn't feel like taking out the scale, which must mean the fish was under four because I rarely weigh fish smaller than four pounds it seems.
Mostly dinks yesterday, but that could've been because of the cold front. Or, it could've been because it was my first time at pleasanton. Whatever the case, it was still fun.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Took a friend out to Wabunsee who had never been there before to try for some of the big fish that we caught last week. Did catch as many solid fish as last week but did get 4 that were keeper sized with this one being the biggest.
Didn't get a weight on her but probably in the 4.5lb range. I couldn't weigh her because I broke my scale trying to weigh this guy. Using a 7' 1" Rage M/H with a 200E7 and 14lb Vicious Elite fluoro and one my homemade jigs in a 3/8oz size in Big "O" craw color. Didn't get her off the bottome of the boat before the scale chain broke but I've caught enough of them to feel comfortable calling her 40lbs.
She wrecked my jig! It looks tiny in that huge mouth!
Caught a pretty decent smallie on one of my jigs in watermelon color.
It was a pretty steady day with the fish catching but just lots of small ones. I ended up with 45 bass and several other bonus fish. 2012 bass count=788
Chris S reply :
Nice report Clayton!!!!
What is that a two hour drive or so?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Yeah, right about 2 hours. It's not a hard drive or anything, there just isn't a real straight shot to the lake so it takes a little longer.
Chris S reply :
Anyone got any idea what the WT is at Lacygne?
Hi Salenity reply :
On 4/26/2012 at 3:47 AM, Chris Schauer said:Anyone got any idea what the WT is at Lacygne?
110?
Chris S reply :
On 4/26/2012 at 5:03 AM, Hi Salenity said:110?
I went down last June and it was 104 at the oulet. Was like being in a sauna while still in the boat
Hi Salenity reply :
That's hotter than my hot tub!On 4/26/2012 at 5:11 AM, Chris Schauer said:I went down last June and it was 104 at the oulet. Was like being in a sauna while still in the boat
kylek reply :
Not sure where they measure the WT at La cygne, but the KC star has the water temp at 76 from last Thursday's report.
Chris S reply :
On 4/26/2012 at 5:52 AM, Hi Salenity said:That's hotter than my hot tub!
HAHAHAHAH!
Chris S reply :
April 25th
Kansas
• GLEN ELDER: 67 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Little Bait Shop reports: crappies very good on shiners, jigs along banks in coves; walleyes good on crankbaits, night crawlers on the flats; white bass good on jigs, grubs along the Granite Creek Causeway; flathead catfish good on trotlines with green sunfish; channel catfish good on night crawlers on the flats.
• MILFORD: 64 degrees, clear, 1 foot high. Outlook: Clem’s Corner reports: crappies good on jigs, minnows in the brush; blue catfish good on shad sides in Madison Creek and on the north end; wipers, white bass good on topwater lures along the banks.
• WILSON: 60 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Knothead’s reports: walleyes good on jigs with night crawlers on the flats in the Minooka area; bass good on live bait, spinnerbaits in the shallows; stripers good on crankbaits, live bait trolled with planer boards (a 23-pound fish was caught this week).
• COFFEY COUNTY: 87 degrees at the hot-water outlet, 74 degrees on the main lake, clear, normal. Outlook: Coffey County reports: smallmouth bass good on crawdad-colored crankbaits, soft-plastic baits along riprap; white bass good on jigging spoons, jigs on the flats; crappies fair on jigs, minnows.
• KILL CREEK:66 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Johnson County Park and Rec reports: bass good on jigs, spinnerbaits on the north side and along the dam; panfish good on minnows in the headwaters; panfish good on minnows in the headwaters.
• MELVERN: 61 degrees, fairly clear, 1 foot high. Outlook: Melvern Lake Marina reports: crappies good on jigs, minnows in 8 to 20 feet of water in the brush and 10 to 12 feet down in 20 feet of water off the marina docks; smallmouth, largemouth bass good (but small) on crankbaits, spinnerbaits in rocky areas.
• SHAWNEE MISSION: 65 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Johnson County Park and Rec reports: catfish good on liver, worms, green sunfish along the dam and on the flats; wipers fair on jigging spoons in the coves and on the flats; bass fair on crankbaits, jigs, spinnerbaits in the coves and along the dam; panfish good on minnows, jigs lakewide.
• WYANDOTTE: 65 degrees, very clear, normal. Outlook: Wyandotte Boat Rentals reports: crappies fair on jigs, minnows in deep water on the main lake; smallmouth, largemouth bass good (but small) on plastic baits in the shallows.
• POMONA: 65 degrees, slightly murky, 2 feet high. Outlook: Lighthouse Bay Marina reports: crappies fair on jigs, minnows in the brush early in the morning; white bass good on minnows in the Dragoon arm.
• LA CYGNE: 76 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Wildlife, Parks and Tourism reports: wipers good on crankbaits trolled on the main lake (fish up to 12 pounds have been caught); flathead catfish good on limblines with green sunfish in the Marais des Cygnes River.
• PERRY: 68 degrees, murky, normal. Outlook: Rock Creek Marina reports: crappies fair on jigs, minnows; white bass fair on Road Runners, jigs off windy points; black bass fair on a variety of baits in the shallows.
• HERITAGE: 66 degrees, 1- to 2-foot clarity, normal. Outlook: Johnson County Park and Rec reports: catfish good on liver, worms, dough bait; bass fair on plastic baits; panfish good on jigs; trout fair on worms, PowerBait.
• CLINTON: 65 degrees, clear, normal. Outlook: Clinton Lake Marina reports: crappies poor to fair (a few are being caught on jigs, minnows in the shallows, but fishing has slowed since the cold fronts).
Chris S reply :
On 4/26/2012 at 8:34 AM, kylek said:Not sure where they measure the WT at La cygne, but the KC star has the water temp at 76 from last Thursday's report.
Guessing thats main Lake Temp, thanks again for the lead to KC Star!
Chris S reply :
Anyone ever fished Cedar Lake or Cedar Creek off I35 and Lone Elm?
Hi Salenity reply :
it was 76 this morning.On 4/26/2012 at 3:47 AM, Chris Schauer said:Anyone got any idea what the WT is at Lacygne?
pbrussell reply :
Where to fish this weekend, where to fish...
so many options.
Anyone wanna decide for me?
Right now it's between mound city, pleasanton, critzer, perry, leavenworth state lake, or maybe even La Cygne. who knows. hahaha
bassinKS reply :
fished gardener lake this evening with a friend and we caught close to 20 fish on nothing but topwater and we caught a couple on wacky rigged senkos around the docks.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 1:13 AM, Chris Schauer said:Anyone ever fished Cedar Lake or Cedar Creek off I35 and Lone Elm?
Cedar Lake is very shallow and dirty. Fishing is tough but the ones you get will be nice ones, mostly 16"+ up to 7lbs. I mostly catch them on squarebills and beaverbaits in dark colors fished very slowly. Don't go more than about halfway down the lake from the ramp, you will get stuck in the mud even in the middle of the lake.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Anybody else see this in the Star this morning?
http://www.kansascity.com/2012/04/26/3578946/outdoors-digest.html
11 1/2 lbs? Ridiculous. And published with a pic in the paper. And then to read that it was a "pet" at the marina and he kept it.
Chris S reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 12:04 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Cedar Lake is very shallow and dirty. Fishing is tough but the ones you get will be nice ones, mostly 16"+ up to 7lbs. I mostly catch them on squarebills and beaverbaits in dark colors fished very slowly. Don't go more than about halfway down the lake from the ramp, you will get stuck in the mud even in the middle of the lake.
So that explains why the lake feezs so easy!
Chris S reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 9:04 PM, KU_Bassmaster. said:Anybody else see this in the Star this morning?
http://www.kansascit...ors-digest.html
11 1/2 lbs? Ridiculous. And published with a pic in the paper. And then to read that it was a "pet" at the marina and he kept it.
He even got told it was a pet but he kept it any way? He can get a fiber glass replica of the fish made just the same! A friend of mine sent me a link of the new Delaware state record being caught a few weeks a go, the guy had it certified and released her back into the lake!
Chris S reply :
Ok so lets VOTE on this 11.5 pounder, who thinks its 11.5 pounds? I sure the heck dont.
Here is a pick of me with a 7.4 pounder
Chris S reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 8:36 AM, pbrussell said:Where to fish this weekend, where to fish...
so many options.
Anyone wanna decide for me?
Right now it's between mound city, pleasanton, critzer, perry, leavenworth state lake, or maybe even La Cygne. who knows. hahaha
I may be heading to Lacygne on Sunday.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
I usually give people the benefit of the doubt when they post pics with weights, but unless he is 7ft tall I would say that is lucky to be a 6 and probably closer to 5 .... and the more and more I look at it I am thinking under 5.
What really bothers me the most is that this was published in the paper. It's one thing if this guy comes on an internet message board such as this and says "Hey look at this 11 1/2 lbs bass I caught". I think the majority of us would know this guy is full of it. But this was posted in major city paper, by an Outdoor editor whom I would hope would know that is not an 11 lbs + bass and a few ounces shy of a state record!!!!!!
Hi Salenity reply :
That pic does not look like a 11.5# fish . However I know that at the end of the day looking back at pics sometimes a 6# looks like it's the same size as a 3# fish. but as far as a 11.5 I haven't ever caught anything near that big but I think it should look bigger than that.On 4/27/2012 at 9:30 PM, Chris Schauer said:Ok so lets VOTE on this 11.5 pounder, who thinks its 11.5 pounds? I sure the heck dont.
Here is a pick of me with a 7.4 pounder
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 11:20 PM, Hi Salenity said:That pic does not look like a 11.5# fish . However I know that at the end of the day looking back at pics sometimes a 6# looks like it's the same size as a 3# fish. but as far as a 11.5 I haven't ever caught anything near that big but I think it should look bigger than that.
That's exactly why I give people the benefit of the doubt, but this guy is claiming this bass is a few ounces shy of a new state record .... and it was posted in the paper
Hi Salenity reply :
Good luck! I didn't have any luck. Over by the campgrounds the carp were up in the grass rite on the bank, I think you may be able to drop a small piece of worm or corn in front of them and get them to bite. If it's all catch and release there is not much more fun than fighting a big carp!On 4/27/2012 at 9:33 PM, Chris Schauer said:I may be heading to Lacygne on Sunday.
Chris S reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 11:26 PM, Hi Salenity said:Good luck! I didn't have any luck. Over by the campgrounds the carp were up in the grass rite on the bank, I think you may be able to drop a small piece of worm or corn in front of them and get them to bite. If it's all catch and release there is not much more fun than fighting a big carp!
This one ate my Yo Zuri 3D crankbait by the discharge last year.
Chris S reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 11:13 PM, KU_Bassmaster. said:I usually give people the benefit of the doubt when they post pics with weights, but unless he is 7ft tall I would say that is lucky to be a 6 and probably closer to 5 .... and the more and more I look at it I am thinking under 5.
What really bothers me the most is that this was published in the paper. It's one thing if this guy comes on an internet message board such as this and says "Hey look at this 11 1/2 lbs bass I caught". I think the majority of us would know this guy is full of it. But this was posted in major city paper, by an Outdoor editor whom I would hope would know that is not an 11 lbs + bass and a few ounces shy of a state record!!!!!!
I could not agree with you more! Here is a pick of a friend of mine from Georgia, this Bass weighed 13lbs. So this guy in paper wants me to think that the Clinton bass weighed 1.5 pounds less than this monster?? Come on man! PS this one was weighed, photo and released!
KansasBassin reply :
On 4/27/2012 at 11:13 PM, KU_Bassmaster. said:I usually give people the benefit of the doubt when they post pics with weights, but unless he is 7ft tall I would say that is lucky to be a 6 and probably closer to 5 .... and the more and more I look at it I am thinking under 5.
What really bothers me the most is that this was published in the paper. It's one thing if this guy comes on an internet message board such as this and says "Hey look at this 11 1/2 lbs bass I caught". I think the majority of us would know this guy is full of it. But this was posted in major city paper, by an Outdoor editor whom I would hope would know that is not an 11 lbs + bass and a few ounces shy of a state record!!!!!!
I totally agree, there is no way that thing could be 11.5, what a joke for the star to publish that article.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Wife and I just got back from a weekend at Melvern. Weather kind of sucked and we had a couple mishaps but still got plenty of fishing in. Nicole wasted no time and caught her new personal best smallmouth and the biggest smallie of the trip less than 20 minutes after getting there. 2lbs 12ozs and 17".
I didn't catch anything worth taking a picture of the first day. It poured last night and stormed way harder than I wish it would have since we were tent camping. I went out by myself in the morning since it was still raining and started slow but the quality went up for me.
I spent a lot of time trying to fish slow and was getting frustrated with the lake of activity. I picked up a spinnerbait and it was quickly obvious I was on to something, they were smashing the spinnerbait.
After tearing them up on spinnerbaits for a little bit the rain stopped, the wind died down, and the sun even came out for a little bit so I picked Nicole up and we went back out for a couple hours. I caught several more on spinnerbaits and shakeyheads and she caught a couple smallmouth and a nice crappie on a little H2O crank.
Unfortunately on the way home my truck started to shake really badly so we pulled over. When I got by the front passenger tire I could feel the heat coming off of it and the roater was superheated. Had to have the truck towed to the shop and my parents came and picked us up and pulled the boat home, not how I wanted to end my birthday weekend
Hi Salenity reply :
Happy Birthday, It's cool your wife goes fishing with you!
kylek reply :
What are the best areas to fish Melvern? My father in law and I would love to get a few smallies on the board this year. It is almost a 2 hour drive from our place.
Where would be the best best... Melvern or Coffey County? I have only caught 2 at CC and never have fished Melvern.
Thanks for any help on this.
Kyle
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/30/2012 at 10:55 AM, kylek said:What are the best areas to fish Melvern? My father in law and I would love to get a few smallies on the board this year. It is almost a 2 hour drive from our place.
Where would be the best best... Melvern or Coffey County? I have only caught 2 at CC and never have fished Melvern.
Thanks for any help on this.
Kyle
I like the dam and southern rocky shorelines, almost always some smallmouth to be caught in those areas. I like Melvern way more than Coffey for smallmouth, the smallmouth at Coffey are always so hard to find.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Miami today with my friend and CCC Drew from the board. We knocked them around all day, catching fish on poppers, frogs, jigs, swimbaits, squarebills, worms, shakeyheads, traps, spooks, chatterbaits, and senkos. I was hoping to make it to 1,000 by my birthday yesterday but fell 83 short. I made up for that today, catching exactly 83 bass to make it to the 1,000 mark before May. Only 2 over 18", one on a swimbait and one on a senko, the swimbait fish was probably around 4lbs and 19". Had one eat a crankbait as far as I've ever seen one.
Number 1,000, last fish of the day on a crankbait from under the dock by the ramp.
Here's the swimbait I caught a lot of them on today.
kylek reply :
On 5/1/2012 at 9:51 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I like the dam and southern rocky shorelines, almost always some smallmouth to be caught in those areas. I like Melvern way more than Coffey for smallmouth, the smallmouth at Coffey are always so hard to find.
Thanks for the info. Gonna have to head out there soon!!
bassinKS reply :
I was out at Miami Saturday and ended up with close to 60 fish between my buddy and I, we also headed out there today and we didnt do so hot but it still beat doing anything else. On Saturday we went through 2 bags of super flukes 1 bag of Rage Anacondas and 2 bags of senkos when they hit they were hitting hard we also caught some on rage toads and some on buzzbaits.
retro basser reply :
Geez sounds like Miami is awesome. I want some easy topwater action like that. I'm still looking for that two day window that's just right to get down and camp there. It's just a little far for a day-tripper from over here, good for you OP guys sounds like.
Fortunately I am pretty close to Perry, been getting up there a bit. Seems like i figure out a little more of the puzzle each time i get out there. After these rains it's just beyond muddy out there though. Seems like you really gotta hit em over the head with a lure for them to see it lol.
The crappie were really turning on there yesterday. The whites are always good too, seems like they get born weighing a pound and go up from there...
pbrussell reply :
Retro, I've been trying to figure out the perry puzzle myself.
What have you been noticing? Where have you been fishing? So far, I've fished most of the lake's creeks (rock creek, slough creek, little slough creek), but haven't fished much of the main body. Still trying to figure out the puzzle myself, that's for sure.
retro basser reply :
Well mostly I noticed that you better know where your fishing and make your casts count because while there are alot of spots to fish, they're just far enough away from each other that you wanna fire up the big engine to get to them usually. I'm usually picking apart where the channel swings by shore and the few pieces of underwater structure are gold cause it's mostly just a mudflat everywhere else.
The water is insanely muddy (my gf just did a study for her chem class on a few of the different water bodies and the 'turbidity' or muddiness on Perry is off the charts.) I find dark lures or really strong bright lures either in flash or chartruse work well. I'm going to try a smoke tube texas rigged with a bead thrown in there tomm for a little noise.
I'd say pick your spots very carefully, be careful to work them well and slow without spoiling them. Also on the presentation to the rocks try to get really close to the shoreline, with a good quiet entry, especially on a calm day (I'm talking under 6'' from shore) You dont get very many 'dinks' to tell you if you're doing things right so you have to be on your game with each presentation. Easier said than done if your like me and still have a few 'what the F*** were you thinking throwing there?' moments throughout the day.
Just takes time eliminating bad water, but the fish are there.
pbrussell reply :
Good information to have. I've fished the channel banks with little to no luck, but have had decent luck around rock- especially man made rock areas. I hope to go again soon and put some more pieces together. Perry is kind of becoming an obsession of mine, even though I've not had great successes there as of yet. They're coming...
Speaking of success, last saturday I went out to mound city and wacked em pretty good. Caught more than twenty. Everything I caught was pretty much on a squarebill. Had 8 fish come unbuttoned, and one of them would've at least been high fours. Probably easily would've gone five, maybe even six, but you never know. Bigger fish are certainly in there. Most of my fish were 12-14 inches, but I caught these nice ones.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Cedar Lake for about 2 hours before work today. It was a little rough with all the wind in my little jon boat but I managed 6 fish from 8 inches to 16.5 inches. 2 on a Havoc Pit Boss, 2 on a homemade chatterbait, and 2 on a H2O squarebill. Pit Boss caught the 2 biggest, squarebill caught the 2 smallest, chatterbait caught the two middlest
ks cranker reply :
On 5/2/2012 at 10:42 AM, retro basser said:The water is insanely muddy .
Hate to hear that it's that muddy. Is the main lake that way or just the creek arms? Planning on going to Perry for the first time on Saturday.
retro basser reply :
Welp, Smoke colored Yamamoto tubes work at Perry
retro basser reply :
On 5/2/2012 at 2:45 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Fished Cedar Lake for about 2 hours before work today. It was a little rough with all the wind in my little jon boat but I managed 6 fish from 8 inches to 16.5 inches. 2 on a Havoc Pit Boss, 2 on a homemade chatterbait, and 2 on a H2O squarebill. Pit Boss caught the 2 biggest, squarebill caught the 2 smallest, chatterbait caught the two middlest
Homemade chatterbait sounds cool. Never know when you need to put some middlests in the well. hehe. I've been trying to get a good topwater bite going when i'm out early enough. Had some luck on trick worms and a mini-buzz bait but the bigger noisemakers arent getting any action. Maybe in summer. Maybe I dont have the patience to stick with it long enough.
On 5/2/2012 at 10:41 PM, ks cranker said:Hate to hear that it's that muddy. Is the main lake that way or just the creek arms? Planning on going to Perry for the first time on Saturday.
Well not gonna lie, it's all murky. I can put on the brightest neon lure i have and it's invisible even with polarized lenses after it gets just about a foot deep.
The main lake is a little better than the channels, back in them I actually get a 'floating bottom' on the sonar from it hitting a layer of silt say at 3 feet where the real bottom you are fishing is 6 feet. It's way stronger than a thermocline.
Good news is the bass don't seem to mind
Bluebasser86 reply :
Perry is almost always pretty muddy. Even at it's best you might get 2 or 3 feet of visibility. Dark colored baits that move slow are almost always the key for me out there.
retro, I've had a couple of really, really good days with a zell pop this spring already and have caught some one a buzzbait and a frog too. I'm confident I would have broken the 100 fish mark at Miami Monday if I would have just stuck with a Zell Pop, they were hitting it almost every cast but the size was not there. Plus I was having way too much fun smacking them around with a swimbait It's pretty awesome when you're tossing a 5" swimbait and a fish eats it so deep you can't even see the thing anymore.
bassinKS reply :
Where did you fish on Miami? i mainly just go in and out of the pockets and fish the shores and then the west bank that whole long bank. I have never tried fishing in the middle yet but i am going to as it gets hotter.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The piers, across the dam, and then the few piers on the east side were our best areas. The water at the north end was extremly clear for that lake, we could see bottom all across there and there was no sign of any life, not a bite on anything we fished. The east bank with all the laydowns and smaller standing trees was very tough also. We did pretty well on the laydowns in the middle. Don't be fooled by the fact that those trees are in the middle, it's only about 4-6 feet deep out there and fish hold out there all the time. We usually flip the trees and then fan cast cranks or spinnerbaits on the flats while we motor to the next tree and pick up a lot of roaming fish doing that.
I forgot to mention, we caught 2 white bass last time we were on Miami? Anybody else ever caught one? I'm sure they swam in there when the river was flooded but I've just never caught one and was wondering if I'm the only one.
I'll be chasing smallies, walleyes, and wipers for the next 3 days at Milford with the old man. Hopefully when we get back I'll have some good stories/pictures to share
bassinKS reply :
The very last peir on the northeast side is where we caught 6 fish in 6 cast we got all the way up in the north and saw quite a few nice size fish but they wouldn't hit.
And yes this year my dad and i have caught 7 white bass out there and we thought it was weird so we asked a guy we see there all the time and he said they dumped about 2000 white bass in there?
kylek reply :
Heading out to Watkins Mill this morning. Hoping the fish are biting like they were last week!!
Doc-Drew reply :
Planning on taking my fiancé fishing tomorrow. Any suggestions where to go?
ks cranker reply :
Finally made it to Perry on Saturday.
Nice lake with lots of rock! Didn't catch a lot of bass, but the ones I did catch seemed really healthy. Hooked into a 5lb+ first thing in the morning on a DT10, but she jumped off before she was suppose to! Mainly just covered water with a crankbait today. Caught lots of saugeye, 1 catfish, many whites/hybrids, too many drum, foul hooked a carp, and even one 15" smallie! Biggest bass came around the old docks in Rock Creek - 17.5" LM.
Fun day and look forward to going again.
retro basser reply :
On 5/7/2012 at 11:52 PM, ks cranker said:Finally made it to Perry on Saturday.
Nice lake with lots of rock! Didn't catch a lot of bass, but the ones I did catch seemed really healthy. Hooked into a 5lb+ first thing in the morning on a DT10, but she jumped off before she was suppose to! Mainly just covered water with a crankbait today. Caught lots of saugeye, 1 catfish, many whites/hybrids, too many drum, foul hooked a carp, and even one 15" smallie! Biggest bass came around the old docks in Rock Creek - 17.5" LM.
Fun day and look forward to going again.
Good deal, glad you liked it and got into some action all day, with that storm brewing i bet they were hungry. Sounds like you got a little of everything for sure. Were you cranking with a rattle mostly or pull fish off of a silent crankbait too?
Blue: That Zell Pop looks like a really well made lure for sure. I'm not sure i'm ready to justify spending $10 on a lure but if i do it will be on something hard to lose like a topwater. I picked up my first chatterbait this weekend in tulsa at basspro and think i have a basic popper that looks like the zell somewhere. I'll see if i can try to convince em to hit on just every other cast with one of those I suppose
retro basser reply :
Good deal on a small-water basser rig. I had one like this and it fit in the back of my half ton ford just right
http://lawrence.craigslist.org/boa/2948423994.html
Chris S reply :
**SLUMP BUSTED*** fished Saturday with a buddy of mine Sean in his 8 foot bass hound. Football Jig with Paca Craw Blue/Watermelon and Scum Frog at sunset**20 fish, few pics of the "larger one"
Bluebasser86 reply :
Dad and I got back from fishing Milford the last 3 days around 5 today. Wind sucked all 3 days like it usually does out there. Dad did pretty good with the trolling motor but it's a little tougher to drive one of the elecric control motors like his boat has so I did my best to be patient while each time we were spinning circles on the lake This is more of a walleye trip than bass but I can't go to that lake and not fish for them a little bit, plus the walleye were TOUGH!
My biggest smallie of the trip, 17" and almost 3lbs.
Dad getting in on the action.
A solid spinnerbait smallie that just crushed it. Unfortunately I had just lost one that was well over 4 a few cast before catching this one so I wasn't quite as happy as I would have been
We got a tip from a guy at the dock by the dam that was training his retriever that guys have been catching lots of walleye in Farnum Creek. We had a few hours left in the day and it's only a 5 minute drive by road instead of 30 minutes by boat so we loaded up and made the move. Took a minute to find the fish but when we did we found everything. The wipers started blowing up behind us and I stuck a solid one on light spinning tackle that took me for a ride! The bait was way down there!
22" and 5lbs
We weren't catching the numbers of walleyes the guy told us about but we did catch some fish. Up to this point we had caught a grand total of 1 short walleye in almost 2 days fishing. We ended the night with 4 18" keepers out of 9 fish. Biggest was 20.5".
We went back to the same area the next day and the catfish had taken over! I was having fun catching blues and channels on a light spinning rod casting a gulp minnow but dad wanted walleye. I suggested an area so we made the move. Again it took us awhile to relocate them but once we got to the specific spot I thought they would be we found a few more. Today we had 3 keepers out of 7 fish with a 19.5" fish being the biggest.
It was a good time minus that wind and me almost having a rod jerked out of the boat and then throwing the same one out of the boat on the hookset Thankfully I got it back and caught the fish that caused the whole mess in the first place It was a multispecies weekend for sure we caught largemouth, smallmouth, whites, wipers, crappies, bluegills, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, channel cats, blue cats, drum, and carp.
ks cranker reply :
On 5/8/2012 at 12:57 AM, retro basser said:Good deal, glad you liked it and got into some action all day, with that storm brewing i bet they were hungry. Sounds like you got a little of everything for sure. Were you cranking with a rattle mostly or pull fish off of a silent crankbait too?
Retro - I was throwing a Rapala DT10, which doesn't have rattles. I did throw a silent square bill for a bit, but no takers on it. I only caught a couple bass on the crank, so I'm sure something else would have worked better, but I was just trying to cover water and take a look at the lake.
For those that fish the marina areas, do you actually fish the stalls or do you concentrate on the rip rap more?
Anyone planning on going to Perry this coming Saturday? I'm thinking about it, but not sure yet...
Bluebasser86 reply :
I rarely fish the stalls except the last few towards the bank and instead focus mainly on the walkways and rip rap. I'll probably be on Perry Monday, all you guys talking about it has given me the itch to go out there.
bassinKS reply :
Do you guys know of any tournaments around the kc area? or even in Missouri i have been wanting to start tourneys but just haven't heard of that many around here
kylek reply :
http://www.burtonsbaitandtackle.com/
They have a Thursday night and Saturday tournament at Smithville lake put on by Burton's Bait.
Also some around the Blue Springs area. Check the outdoor section of the kansas city star. They have a section titled tournament trail. Shows when and where tourneys are and results from past tourneys.
ks cranker reply :
On 5/9/2012 at 10:52 AM, bassinKS said:Do you guys know of any tournaments around the kc area? or even in Missouri i have been wanting to start tourneys but just haven't heard of that many around here
You might look into one of the local clubs. Most fish a few tournaments in KS and then get to the good lakes in MO and even Grand Lake in OK. It's a good way to meet others and fish new lakes.
ks cranker reply :
So awhile back there was talk of a get together.
Anyone what to get something going the weekend of June 8-10? Perry, Milford, Melvern? Tent camp or look into getting a cabin of some sorts?
Scarecrow reply :
On 5/5/2012 at 6:08 PM, kylek said:Heading out to Watkins Mill this morning. Hoping the fish are biting like they were last week!!
How was the Mill? I've been meaning to get over there, but haven't yet.
Last couple of weeks, I've been hitting Smithville quite a bit with the usual "not much" success. That lake looks so fishy, but I just can't seem to catch many fish at that place. I can never establish a pattern at Smithville. Most of my fish are on plastics with hardly any fish on reaction baits. It's a bummer because I'm practically 10 minutes from the ramp.
Also went up to Mozingo two weeks back and caught a ton of fish, mostly 13"-14' fish with 8 or 9 nice keepers. Fish are usually right on the edge of the grass at Mozingo.
kylek reply :
We had some decent luck at Watkins Mill last weekend. Well, I should say my father in law did as he put on a clinic catching fish. Most of them were shorts but still fun. We were using 10" plastic worms fishing the grass that seems to go all the way around it. 2 weeks ago fishing there with a wacky rigged senko style bait we caught a ton and 4 3-4lbers.
We have been wanting to go to Smithville, but we never seem to do any good there!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/9/2012 at 10:52 AM, bassinKS said:Do you guys know of any tournaments around the kc area? or even in Missouri i have been wanting to start tourneys but just haven't heard of that many around here
Several lakes have Monday or Wednesday night tournaments. Wyandotte co, Hillsdale, Smithville, Longview, and I believe Jacomo and Blue Springs all have evening tournaments if you're looking to stay close. Lots of bass clubs in the area as long as you're just looking for the competition and not winning any money. I fished the BASS weekend series one year and had a lot of fun doing that and made a little money too.
On 5/9/2012 at 10:21 PM, ks cranker said:So awhile back there was talk of a get together.
Anyone what to get something going the weekend of June 8-10? Perry, Milford, Melvern? Tent camp or look into getting a cabin of some sorts?
I could be there the 10th if ti was Perry or Melvern, Milford is a little far for a day trip.
jwharding76 reply :
I'm headed to Mozingo during the week next week...never been there. Can anyone tell me how the boater fee works? How much is it? Is there a self-registration, or do I have to purchase it (and wait) from a vendor or a park office? Also, are any of the ramps any better or worse than any other? Thanks so much!
Bluebasser86 reply :
It's $8 a day according to their website. Last time I was there we bought them from Big Bird's Bait and Tackle. They're open at 6am on weekends, 7am on weekdays. Last time I went they give you a sticker and I don't believe there was a way to self pay at the ramp. I've always used the main ramp about mid way up the lake as it's a very nice ramp and you never touch gravel. It's a fun lake with lots of standing timber, brushpiles, and grass. However it gets lots of pressure so it can be tough. Get there early because it usually has a much better bite before 10am than the rest of the day and can have a really good topwater bite early.
jwharding76 reply :
Thanks for the info!
Scarecrow reply :
Regarding Mozingo... yep it's 8.00 per day. We got there at 5:45 am two weeks ago and the man was in his house collecting the ramp fee as you pulled into the park. Still a sticker that you put on your boat. We put in at the main ramp (south end of the lake). My luck is the opposite of Bluebasser. We fished plastics in skinny water till 10 am and caught 9-10 shorts. After that we started throwing 1.5 squarebills the rest of the day till 4:30 pm. Hitting points we ended the day with 70 fish, with about 8-9 keepers. I think we had 4 over 3lbs with the biggest at 3.12. We were offshore making long cast to the edge of the grass.
I'll be up there again this Sat.
Smithville was slow again last night. Just a couple of shorts on shakey head. Can't figure that place out!
Planning on hitting the Mill tonight, hopefully goes well!
kylek reply :
On 5/11/2012 at 3:15 AM, Scarecrow said:Regarding Mozingo... yep it's 8.00 per day. We got there at 5:45 am two weeks ago and the man was in his house collecting the ramp fee as you pulled into the park. Still a sticker that you put on your boat. We put in at the main ramp (south end of the lake). My luck is the opposite of Bluebasser. We fished plastics in skinny water till 10 am and caught 9-10 shorts. After that we started throwing 1.5 squarebills the rest of the day till 4:30 pm. Hitting points we ended the day with 70 fish, with about 8-9 keepers. I think we had 4 over 3lbs with the biggest at 3.12. We were offshore making long cast to the edge of the grass.
I'll be up there again this Sat.
Smithville was slow again last night. Just a couple of shorts on shakey head. Can't figure that place out!
Planning on hitting the Mill tonight, hopefully goes well!
Let me know how you do at the Mill. We plan on going there this weekend.
Kyle
bassinKS reply :
has anybody fished hilsdale this year? i went out there today and got skunked on bass we caught a few crappie but thats it. was wondering where you guys are finding them on this lake its just so much timber and structure its hard to find them
Bluebasser86 reply :
My best advice for fishing Hillsdale is to go somewhere else
Scarecrow reply :
Not a great night at the Mill last night. Got delayed at work, so was 6:45 by the time we got to the lake, then problems with the trolling motor that took 20 minutes to fix. After this we managed to catch 1 barely legal keeper and 5 or 6 shorts. Nothing on crankbaits, couple on the liz and a couple on top water at the end.
Chris S reply :
On 5/11/2012 at 11:26 AM, bassinKS said:has anybody fished hilsdale this year? i went out there today and got skunked on bass we caught a few crappie but thats it. was wondering where you guys are finding them on this lake its just so much timber and structure its hard to find them
I fish it but for Walley, Crappie and White Bass, there are bass in there but you better be ok with getting back through the stumps, all the bass I have caught out of there are heading left from the main ramp and the section of trees back by the boat ramp on the otherside of Hillsdale Point. If your not dialed into Hillsdale it can be a very long day, IMO buy a map of the lake to learn the channels. If that does not work take 169 south to 58 East towards Louisberg and take 69 South to Lacygne
bassinKS reply :
Haha I figured someone would say that we were going to go somewhere else but my buddy forgot his wallet and didn't have gas money (I drove last time) so that idea was kind of shot ha
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/12/2012 at 12:58 AM, bassinKS said:Haha I figured someone would say that we were going to go somewhere else but my buddy forgot his wallet and didn't have gas money (I drove last time) so that idea was kind of shot ha
Next time drive a few more miles south on 169 to Miola Lake or Paola City Lake. Not going to catch many big fish but it does have way more bass in it than Hillsdale, along with some pretty decent saugeye fishing if you can find them.
bassinKS reply :
hm i have never herd of those two lakes
Hi Salenity reply :
I was born and raised in Paola and it's one lake I can almost guarantee I'll get skunked at. I've caught a 35# Flat and have seen 65+ flats caught out of that lake but I have NEVER had any luck bass fishing at that lake.
I went to the state lake Yesterday and as I was backing my boat into the ramp the Game Warden showed up to shock the lake. Needless to say we didn't catch a lot & unfortunately I wasn't able to stay long enough to find out what they shocked up.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/12/2012 at 12:43 PM, bassinKS said:hm i have never herd of those two lakes
It's actually the same lake but it goes by two different names. Everytime I've been there I do well either on squarebills or flipping the waterwillow and docks. There's also a couple deep water spots that I've done well on but I could try to tell you all day where they are and probably wouldn't find it any faster.
Hi Salenity-I know there are some big flatheads in there. My buddy had one probably around 30lbs hooked while he was trolling a deep taildancer for saugeye but it busted him off at the boat.
retro basser reply :
I think it's awesome how much buzz is going on around here. Lots of good info for this area in one spot...shoot probably THE best who am I kiddin?
On 5/9/2012 at 10:21 PM, ks cranker said:So awhile back there was talk of a get together.
Anyone what to get something going the weekend of June 8-10? Perry, Milford, Melvern? Tent camp or look into getting a cabin of some sorts?
I have my daughter that weekend but If not I'd get out there... Could make it, never know this time of year w graduations and things going on.
I was gonna say I want to fish melvern sometime this summer. Also, they just built a brand new cabin up at atchison at the most prime spot on the lake, with plenty of tent room too. The drive in there is a trip, maybe too much for you shiny boat types, but the lake has both quantity and size, and if we got 6-8 boats up there it's small enough you'd get to B.S. with everyone on the water all day... we could take it over basically..
On 5/8/2012 at 4:08 AM, Chris Schauer said:**SLUMP BUSTED*** fished Saturday with a buddy of mine Sean in his 8 foot bass hound. Football Jig with Paca Craw Blue/Watermelon and Scum Frog at sunset**20 fish, few pics of the "larger one"
Hmmm left Hillsdale, instantly busted slump... I think i see a pattern That's kick ass.
On 5/11/2012 at 2:25 PM, Bluebasser86 said:My best advice for fishing Hillsdale is to go somewhere else
Sounds like from some of these Missourans that smithville might be the same way...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Yeah we're pretty lucky to have a good group of guys on here willing to share their info but I think it helps we have everyone willing to share, not just a couple guys sharing then everyone else crawling all over their spots.
I'd be up for Melvern for sure, or Perry or any other lake really. I'd like to talk to all you guys an BS a bit but I don't know if I want to be elbow to elbow on a little lake like Atchison. I think it would be really fun to do it at somewhere like Melvern or Perry, pair everyone up in teams and have a bragging rights paper tournament. No weigh in just add up your total length for each team's biggest 5. Fish from like 6-2 or 6-3 and have a "measure in" and BBQ afterwards.
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm actually going to Paola in the morning mainly to try out my new(er) motor. I'm taking my 2 kids age 2 & 5 so I may not get a chance to fish.
If anyone is looking for a small outboard I have a 1963? Evinrude 18 hp Fastwin. It will start by the first or second pull almost every time. $400 obo
Hi Salenity reply :
On 5/13/2012 at 6:35 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Yeah we're pretty lucky to have a good group of guys on here willing to share their info but I think it helps we have everyone willing to share, not just a couple guys sharing then everyone else crawling all over their spots.
I'd be up for Melvern for sure, or Perry or any other lake really. I'd like to talk to all you guys an BS a bit but I don't know if I want to be elbow to elbow on a little lake like Atchison. I think it would be really fun to do it at somewhere like Melvern or Perry, pair everyone up in teams and have a bragging rights paper tournament. No weigh in just add up your total length for each team's biggest 5. Fish from like 6-2 or 6-3 and have a "measure in" and BBQ afterwards.
I hope we can work something like this out this time.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/13/2012 at 10:22 AM, Hi Salenity said:I hope we can work something like this out this time.
Lets pick a weekend and do it. I'll probably only be able to make it Sunday no matter which weekend unless you guys want to stretch it out to 3 day weekend the other way and do a Saturday/Sunday/Monday thing, then I could be there for 2 days. I'd like to meet some of the guys off here though. I've fished with a couple of you already but it would be nice to meet more of you. My vote for lakes goes to Melvern, you got all 3 species of bass, whites, crappies, walleyes, saugers, all 3 species of catfish, something for everyone basically.
retro basser reply :
On 5/13/2012 at 6:35 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Yeah we're pretty lucky to have a good group of guys on here willing to share their info but I think it helps we have everyone willing to share, not just a couple guys sharing then everyone else crawling all over their spots.
I'd be up for Melvern for sure, or Perry or any other lake really. I'd like to talk to all you guys an BS a bit but I don't know if I want to be elbow to elbow on a little lake like Atchison. I think it would be really fun to do it at somewhere like Melvern or Perry, pair everyone up in teams and have a bragging rights paper tournament. No weigh in just add up your total length for each team's biggest 5. Fish from like 6-2 or 6-3 and have a "measure in" and BBQ afterwards.
I dig that too. I guess if we get too many people out on a small lake all the spots would be spooked out pretty fast. A long day-tripper to melvern is a good plan. Although if you expect me to get my boat there by 6AM i'm going to be spending the night saturday anyway
Hi Salenity reply :
I made it to Paola Today. I got to fish a little thanks to the wife going to help watch the kids. I ended up with 2 fish a 1.5#? lmb and this toothy creature.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/14/2012 at 11:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:I made it to Paola Today. I got to fish a little thanks to the wife going to help watch the kids. I ended up with 2 fish a 1.5#? lmb and this toothy creature.
That's how I found out about the saugeye in that lake, fishing for bass. I was pitching a 5" T-rigged BPS stick-o to the weedline and it kept getting bit in half without me even setting the hook. Had my buddy grab some nightcrawlers at Wal-Mart and we ended up catching 40-50 of them and both of our limits. That one looks like it was a keeper!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/14/2012 at 7:01 AM, retro basser said:I dig that too. I guess if we get too many people out on a small lake all the spots would be spooked out pretty fast. A long day-tripper to melvern is a good plan. Although if you expect me to get my boat there by 6AM i'm going to be spending the night saturday anyway
That would be really unfortunate if you had to fish Melvern for 2 days wouldn't it??
Hi Salenity reply :
It was just over
It was just over 17''. I tried to take a pic of it on the golden rule but it flopped and it shows it to be shorter than it is.On 5/14/2012 at 4:18 PM, Bluebasser86 said:That's how I found out about the saugeye in that lake, fishing for bass. I was pitching a 5" T-rigged BPS stick-o to the weedline and it kept getting bit in half without me even setting the hook. Had my buddy grab some nightcrawlers at Wal-Mart and we ended up catching 40-50 of them and both of our limits. That one looks like it was a keeper!
However this pic with the fish held out away from me has to be the worst pic ever as far as it making the fish look smaller than it actually was!
How did you rig the crawlers? I was going to try them on a 1/8 oz jig head ?
Chris S reply :
On 5/12/2012 at 6:13 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Next time drive a few more miles south on 169 to Miola Lake or Paola City Lake. Not going to catch many big fish but it does have way more bass in it than Hillsdale, along with some pretty decent saugeye fishing if you can find them.
There is a guy on facebook called Kansas Angler who posts all the time about Miola but I looked up the non resident boat fee and was like holy crap!!! Nice fish in that lake from what I have seen!
Hi Salenity reply :
Check again, I don't think you have to have a permit for fishing you just need one for Pleasure boating.On 5/14/2012 at 11:25 PM, Chris Schauer said:There is a guy on facebook called Kansas Angler who posts all the time about Miola but I looked up the non resident boat fee and was like holy crap!!! Nice fish in that lake from what I have seen!
Chris S reply :
On 5/14/2012 at 11:50 PM, Hi Salenity said:Check again, I don't think you have to have a permit for fishing you just need one for Pleasure boating.
BOAT (VESSEL) LICENSE FEES
Boats with outboard or inboard motors of more than 10 horsepower:
City of Paola Residents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 daily or $25.00 annually
Miami County Residents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.00 daily or $35.00 annually
Non City/County Residents. . . . . . . . . . . . . $40.00 daily or $125.00 annually
All other watercraft or watercraft used solely for fishing. . . . No fee required
You are correct!! All I saw was the $40 and $125! Thats cool I will give this Lake a go very soon!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/14/2012 at 9:22 PM, Hi Salenity said:It was just over
It was just over 17''. I tried to take a pic of it on the golden rule but it flopped and it shows it to be shorter than it is.
However this pic with the fish held out away from me has to be the worst pic ever as far as it making the fish look smaller than it actually was!
How did you rig the crawlers? I was going to try them on a 1/8 oz jig head ?
I was actually fishing them on a 1/16oz head because it was so calm but an 1/8oz should be fine.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I had a big breakdown of our day but my computer froze and I lost it all on the last sentence! So my buddy Jon and I had a plan to hit Nebo for a couple hours (it's only 30 acres) and then run to Perry for the rest of the day. I was throwing one of my homemade chatterbaits when a torpedo wake came of the bank and I got my first good one of the day 19.5" and a little over 4.
About 10 minutes later off the side of one of the islands the same thing happend and my bait STOPPED! An intense, drag ripping fight by the boat and Jon got a hold of her. 22" and 6.10 on a homemade black and blue chatterbait.
Jon tried one of my chatterbaits and got very similar bite, big wake and smashed bait. Fish came halfway to the boat, stopped, peeled drag the other way, wrapped around a limb and came off. Lost big fish number one of the day for Jon. Another lap around the lake with a few more dinks and a jumped off 3 or 4 pounder and we headed to Perry. Started on the pier right by the state park ramp where I caught the biggest smallmouth I've caught from Perry at 15.5".
Jon caught a chunker off the same pier and then an hour of nothing. Fishing a row of docks when Jon caught a chunk on a KVD 1.5.
A couple casts later he stuck another big fish. It was pretty much a standstill for a second before it started to head up. I looked back at Jon just in time to see the bend leave the rod. Big fish number 2 of the day was gone for Jon. A couple more chunky fish off the docks and then nothing for the next couple hours. We were pretty much set on going home but decided to hit the pier by the ramp again since it had been good to us earlier. Jon's first cast with the 1.5 got slammed and what looked like a 3 or 4 pounder rolled on the top. A slow hard fight and a fish that was easily 5, probably closer to 6 launched at the boat, sending Jon's crankbait flying the other way, big fish number 3 of the day was gone for Jon. I caught another chunk when Jon's crank got stopped again. I got the net this time because I wanted this fish in the boat about as bad as Jon did I think. Right as the fish came up at the boat I scooped for it, at the same time another fish the same size darted for the bait in the other fishes mouth. For a second I had 2 fish in the net before the second one got out. Jon finally got a good fish in the boat with a solid 3lb 7oz fish.
We probably didn't catch 20 fish all day but we made the ones we caught count!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 5/15/2012 at 7:27 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I was actually fishing them on a 1/16oz head because it was so calm but an 1/8oz should be fine.
Thanks I'm going to Paola in the morning as long as my buddy wakes up this time.
Chris S reply :
Nice pig Clayon!!!!!
Chris S reply :
On 5/15/2012 at 11:08 AM, Hi Salenity said:Thanks I'm going to Paola in the morning as long as my buddy wakes up this time.
If you make it back before 4pm post a report, I may head down there Weds afternoon!
Hi Salenity reply :
I made it back from Paola. It was a typical day for me at that lake. Below are pic's of the fish I caught that were over 12"
retro basser reply :
Went out today to DGCO this morning cause I felt like catching a bunch and ended up catching 4 or something... All I know is i caught more little 4in redears than bass. Those little buggers were active. It was 72 and the water was the clearest i've ever seen on a KS lake. I could see a white jig off the bottom 15 ft down. I saw alot of beds... all empty, guess it's time to figure out what to fish post-spawn...
Most of the strikes i got were quick at best and I guess i just didnt have my game on i got caught snoozin on more than a few. Most of the bass were suspending at 10-12ft over relatively deep water. The only pattern i guess i found was running a mid-diving crank over a shelf about 12 feet deep close to the channel. Most of the time they would just barely slap at it but you could catch em when they got tangled up by accident.
Blue: Thanks for the good write-ups of Milford and that Nebo-Perry 1-2 punch that's an solid 2 lake day right there... Crazy about that 2nd bass jumping in the net. Wonder if that counts in a tourney? (when the cameras arent rolling of course) That chatterbait is tearing them UP. Knew i should have bought the dark color on mine but i sprung for the chartruse-white.
Salenity: That saugeye is pretty freaky looking. The whole thing looks pre-historic even the colors. Thought your camera was on LSD again but it's only the fish
joefish reply :
Haven't posted here much, but have been looking. I would be interested in getting in a paper tournament. I used to do that with a group of guys who posted on Daves Country, it was a lot of fun and plenty of BS at the end. I haven't got a regular fishing partner any more so meeting some one to fish with could be a plus. I fish WYCO quite a bit, Clinton and Perry (espically when the crappie bite is on).
Bluebasser86 reply :
So right now it looks like myself, Hi Salenity, retro basser, joefish, and ks cranker would be interested in a paper bragging rights team tourny at Melvern on the 10th from 6am to 3pm with a cook out afterwards? Lets get this off the ground, anyone who wants to be there send me a PM and I'll get a list put together. If you've got a boat you could bring and would have room for someone else let me know and we'll pair everyone up. You guys that I listed go ahead and send me a PM too just to verify you want to/can be there.
joefish reply :
OH forgot to mention that June 10 won't work for me, I will be on Rainy Lake in Ontario Canada from June 9 through June 16.
kylek reply :
Has anyone around here been up to Harrison County Lake in Bethany lately? I have a tournament in the morning and I have never been there before. My father in law has been 2 times before but not this year at all. It is suppose to be in the 80s tomorrow with a pretty good south wind.. I think they are calling for 20mph or so.
Any tips or ideas?
Thanks
Kyle
Bluebasser86 reply :
Never even heard of it. I'd probably keep a crankbait or spinnerbait in my hand if I could get a bite on one in that kind of wind. I'd try one of those coves, the first drop by spawning areas will probably have quite a few fish either moving up or coming out depending on the water tempature. Good luck and let us know how you did!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Ok guys it's been brought to my attention that for some of you that are planning on being at the bragging rights tourny at Melvern it may be your first tournament and may not know proper ettiquette. I'll do the drawing a week before so you can get in touch with your partners so you can run through some of it because some things will be the boaters preference, like how much gear to bring. Mainly, as we all know, gas is expensive. Some of the boaters may be spending 75-100 dollars between the truck and boat, maybe more with the cost of boat oil if you run a lot. In most tournaments the co-angler will chip in for some of the gas expenses and I know all the boaters, myself included, would appreciate the help with gas, even $25 or $30 helps a lot and is way cheaper than you could rent a boat or get a guide for a day If there is anyone with any questions or suggestions just let me know. Pretty small group right now with several guys not having Sundays available or having other plans but should still be a good time even with a smaller group and maybe we can get another one set up for the fall and plan ahead further to make it easier for more people to show up.
kylek reply :
On 5/19/2012 at 11:58 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Never even heard of it. I'd probably keep a crankbait or spinnerbait in my hand if I could get a bite on one in that kind of wind. I'd try one of those coves, the first drop by spawning areas will probably have quite a few fish either moving up or coming out depending on the water tempature. Good luck and let us know how you did!
Ended up having a wonderful tournament today! We ended up with 5 fish for 16.87 lbs.. Not too bad. First place was 21lbs. We got a few keepers right out of the gate and had 3 in the boat in 30 minutes. We hit the first cove with some timber in it and caught them on wacky rigged senko style baits. Once the wind picked up we picked another nice one on a spinnerbait. We ended our day in another cove out of the wind and caught a few more nice ones on the wacky rig and a t-rig crawdad. All but one of our keepers came out of less that 2ft. of water. Our biggest was 4.86lbs. I can't even begin to count how many shorts we caught, it seemed like we went through a spell and couldn't buy one over 14".
Kyle
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/20/2012 at 9:23 AM, kylek said:Ended up having a wonderful tournament today! We ended up with 5 fish for 16.87 lbs.. Not too bad. First place was 21lbs. We got a few keepers right out of the gate and had 3 in the boat in 30 minutes. We hit the first cove with some timber in it and caught them on wacky rigged senko style baits. Once the wind picked up we picked another nice one on a spinnerbait. We ended our day in another cove out of the wind and caught a few more nice ones on the wacky rig and a t-rig crawdad. All but one of our keepers came out of less that 2ft. of water. Our biggest was 4.86lbs. I can't even begin to count how many shorts we caught, it seemed like we went through a spell and couldn't buy one over 14".
Kyle
Sounds like a good day to me! I almost suggest tossing a swimbait, sounds like it would have been a perfect day to do it with them biting good and the windy conditions.
Hi Salenity reply :
Who do we have in so far?On 5/20/2012 at 5:24 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Ok guys it's been brought to my attention that for some of you that are planning on being at the bragging rights tourny at Melvern it may be your first tournament and may not know proper ettiquette. I'll do the drawing a week before so you can get in touch with your partners so you can run through some of it because some things will be the boaters preference, like how much gear to bring. Mainly, as we all know, gas is expensive. Some of the boaters may be spending 75-100 dollars between the truck and boat, maybe more with the cost of boat oil if you run a lot. In most tournaments the co-angler will chip in for some of the gas expenses and I know all the boaters, myself included, would appreciate the help with gas, even $25 or $30 helps a lot and is way cheaper than you could rent a boat or get a guide for a day
Chris S reply :
I am in will head down Saturday to set up camp and fish a little since I have neve even seen Melvern. I have a 2010 Lowe FM165 and who ever gets me as a partner we can figure out what to split etc and if your up for camping we can fish Saturday and even Monday!
Who else is planning to head down Saturday and camp?? If my partner cant make it Saturday, someone else is more than welcome to jump in the boat!
PS: I drink enough beer on land so no need to drink it in the boat
Hi Salenity reply :
I'll be down Saturday. I'm not sure if I'm bringing my boat or my enclosed trailer to camp in. I'm leaning toward the boat.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Right now I believe we have:
Hi Salenity
Chris Schauer
Retro basser
kanasbassfisher08
Flash+friend
bluebasser86
Chris S reply :
perfect, also who is going down Saturday to camp and fish??
Hi Salenity-Boat
Chris Schauer- Boat
Retro basser
kanasbassfisher08
Flash+friend
bluebasser86-Boat
anyone else taking a boat down?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Flash's buddy is bringing his boat and they're going to fish together and Retro is bringing his I believe so we may have an extra boater if we don't have anyone else decide they want to go. If that's the case I'm sure I can find someone else that wants to go that isn't a memeber.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well the wife and I just got back from Table Rock and Big Cedar Lodge last night. It was a lot of fun but the fishing was pretty tough. One of my homemade jigs caught most of my fish, followed by a shakeyhead, splitshot rig, spook, and squarebill. First day I had 3 keepers, second day I had a small limit, 3rd day we went to Bull Shoals and I caught a small limit again on squarebills and jigs.
Wasn't catching a bunch but the ones that were hitting the jig were killing it! This keeper spot tried to swallow my jig.
Chunky largemouth.
Nicole's white bass on a ned rig. She caught a smallmouth on it too but only took a picture with her phone.
Keeper largemouth on a spook.
My biggest from Table Rock ate a jig. My scale said 3.2lbs but it looked bigger in person and in the picture. Healthy fish either way.
Keeper spot on a KVD 1.5 from Bull Shoals.
10" warmouth that ate my 3/8oz jig in a brushpile.
One of the highlights of the trip. They had the Oakley Big Bass Tour going on this weekend and the weigh in was at Big Cedar. I knew about all that going on, I didn't know that KVD was going to be there. I was casually unhooking my boat at the ramp and I just looked up at the stage and instantly recognized him standing by the side of the stage talking to a couple other guys that were assisting with weigh in. I told my wife and we had to go say hi real quick. He was nice enough to let us get a couple pictures and he gave me a Oakley Big Bass Tour hat and signed it for me.
Chris S reply :
On 5/24/2012 at 12:15 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Flash's buddy is bringing his boat and they're going to fish together and Retro is bringing his I believe so we may have an extra boater if we don't have anyone else decide they want to go. If that's the case I'm sure I can find someone else that wants to go that isn't a memeber.
I have a buddy I am working on to get him to go.
uptonfish reply :
Anyone been to Melvern lately? I am heading there next week with my brother in law. Any info is appreciated. Is spawn over? We went once last summer but it was right in the middle of that 2 week stretch where it was 100+ every day. Thanks
Chris S reply :
On 5/24/2012 at 1:55 AM, Chris Schauer said:I have a buddy I am working on to get him to go.
My buddy Seans wife gave him the green light so he will be fishing with me.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well now we have:
Chris S+friend
Retro-boater
Hi Salenity-either
Flash+friend
kanasbassfisher08-nonboater
Bluebasser86-boater
Watachi-nonboater
So we're back where we started I guess
If we could get another boater it would be good.
Hi Salenity reply :
I'll bring my boat and a friend and we should all be good ?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/24/2012 at 5:44 AM, Hi Salenity said:I'll bring my boat and a friend and we should all be good ?
That would work fine. Since we only have 2 boaters/nonboaters that aren't already paired I'll probably just have Retro/kanasbassfisher08 paired and Watachi/me. Kanasbassfisher08 (Chris) and I have fished Melvern together a few times so he knows the lake a little bit and can help Retro with where to fish and what to use. To my knowledge Watachi has never fished Melvern so I can try to teach him a couple things about it and it's plentiful smallmouth . If any of you guys that have never fished Melvern has any questions about it feel free to PM me or if they're questions that you think everyone should know the answer too just post them on here and I'll be glad to answer them. I'm by no means an expert on the lake but I have fished it a bunch of times.
KansasBASS9948 reply :
@Bluebasser86 I joined this site about a month ago or so, but haven't gotten around to posting all that often. I wouldn't be able to make this paper tournament, but if you guys have a good turnout and do another one count me in. Looks like we fish the same waters so keep me posted! Take care!
Chris S reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 3:44 AM, KansasBASS9948 said:@Bluebasser86 I joined this site about a month ago or so, but haven't gotten around to posting all that often. I wouldn't be able to make this paper tournament, but if you guys have a good turnout and do another one count me in. Looks like we fish the same waters so keep me posted! Take care!
I am going so Clayton(Bluebasser) can kick my arse and meet some new folks that I BS with on the board! I have never seen Melvern but hey it gets me out of the house for two maybe three days to fish so I am all good!! I did promise myself that I would expand my lakes this year so what a better way to start!!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 4:49 AM, Chris Schauer said:I am going so Clayton(Bluebasser) can kick my arse and meet some new folks that I BS with on the board! I have never seen Melvern but hey it gets me out of the house for two maybe three days to fish so I am all good!! I did promise myself that I would expand my lakes this year so what a better way to start!!
X2
KansasBASS9948 reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 4:49 AM, Chris Schauer said:I am going so Clayton(Bluebasser) can kick my arse and meet some new folks that I BS with on the board! I have never seen Melvern but hey it gets me out of the house for two maybe three days to fish so I am all good!! I did promise myself that I would expand my lakes this year so what a better way to start!!
Melvern is a GREAT lake to fish....especially if you are looking to catch quality smallies. I went down there earlier in the season around mid April and tore them up fishing crankbaits along main lake points. Best of luck down there!
Chris S reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 5:00 AM, KansasBASS9948 said:Melvern is a GREAT lake to fish....especially if you are looking to catch quality smallies. I went down there earlier in the season around mid April and tore them up fishing crankbaits along main lake points. Best of luck down there!
What colored crankbais?
KansasBASS9948 reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 5:14 AM, Chris Schauer said:What colored crankbais?
At the time they were hitting on Mann's Baby 1 minus in red...Id suggest throwing something to mimic crawdads. Also you might try pitching a brown and black jig along the rock drop off in the marina area. Just try to not fish the docks too much...they get kind of edgy around there when guys start casting around the boats. Hope it helps! If you have any more questions about the lake hit me up.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/25/2012 at 5:22 AM, KansasBASS9948 said:At the time they were hitting on Mann's Baby 1 minus in red...Id suggest throwing something to mimic crawdads. Also you might try pitching a brown and black jig along the rock drop off in the marina area. Just try to not fish the docks too much...they get kind of edgy around there when guys start casting around the boats. Hope it helps! If you have any more questions about the lake hit me up.
I tired fishing around the docks once and was run off almost immediately. I don't know how they can decide to make part of a public lake off limits like that but when I tried to email KDWP about it I never got a response. I love Melvern, as long as the wind isn't blowing too hard. You can really catch fish about any way you want to fish out there. Lots of gravel and rocks, some coves with weeds, and a couple with lots of standing timber. I mainly stick to fishing the rocky/sandy areas for smallmouth because I can catch more and better largemouth in a lot of other lakes that are closer. I've personally caught smallmouth up to 5lbs and largemouth over 4lbs and a friend of mine caught a 5lb 9oz largemouth out of the back of my boat out there. I've caught fish on almost every technique but finesse plastics and cranks catch a majority of my fish. On cloudy days spinnerbaits and spooks can really be hot. I don't fish jigs often out there but I know they work well for some. My wife usually does pretty well swimming a grub.
KansasBASS9948 reply :
I am heading down to Truman lake this weekend and will be putting in at Warsaw. Could anyone give me a few hints on where to hit up? I'm not familiar with that lake in the least, but figure with the fish being in post spawn mode I'll be fishing vegetation if I can find it.
retro basser reply :
Well I've had a hell of a week. Transmission in the truck started slipping Monday and I've been trying everything I can think of to bring it back but I've given in. This old F-150 has survived being T-boned and a huge tree limb dropping on the roof not to mention the mechanical stuff i've kept up on. It just kills me to think that it's gone. Anyways I havent had much time to think about the Melvern weekend but I do have it free. I've been going back and forth between having a rebuilt tranny put in and buying a new one. If i opt for the rebuild I'll be able to get my boat down there in time but i never rush my vehicle buying. If anyone knows of a spare 94-96 F150 with the 300 I-6 I'd be very happy to know it
One other scenario is if anyone is going who drives a tow ready truck we can certainly figure out the extra gas$. The back roads down to Melvern are pretty good going out of lawrence, you never have to go over 65..
Anyways I'm pretty sure I'll have it figgured out by then, just an update..tourney format and everything sounds real fun
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/26/2012 at 2:44 AM, retro basser said:Well I've had a hell of a week. Transmission in the truck started slipping Monday and I've been trying everything I can think of to bring it back but I've given in. This old F-150 has survived being T-boned and a huge tree limb dropping on the roof not to mention the mechanical stuff i've kept up on. It just kills me to think that it's gone. Anyways I havent had much time to think about the Melvern weekend but I do have it free. I've been going back and forth between having a rebuilt tranny put in and buying a new one. If i opt for the rebuild I'll be able to get my boat down there in time but i never rush my vehicle buying. If anyone knows of a spare 94-96 F150 with the 300 I-6 I'd be very happy to know it
One other scenario is if anyone is going who drives a tow ready truck we can certainly figure out the extra gas$. The back roads down to Melvern are pretty good going out of lawrence, you never have to go over 65..
Anyways I'm pretty sure I'll have it figgured out by then, just an update..tourney format and everything sounds real fun
If you don't have a tow vehicle by then I'm pretty sure kanasbassfisher08 can pull my boat with his truck and I could pull yours down there, shouldn't be too far out of the way for me really if need be.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I got to Lake Paho today with the wife. It got pretty hot and I didn't want to keep her out in it for too long but still spent about 6 hours on the lake. Very well kept little lake and ramp. Trailer never touched gravel the whole way there and it was easy to get to. Water was stained to muddy in some area and the banks were pretty much either rock or mud. Not a deep lake at all, deepest water I saw as I was idling across (no wake if your motor is bigger than 10hp) was 22' with a majority being 6' or less within a cast of the bank. Lots of willow trees hanging over or growing in the water and lots of brushpiles in the lakes in some areas. There's also a little bit of weeds growing in the water but not very thick yet. If I wasn't around wood I wasn't catching fish. I caught my first bass of the morning on a KVD squarebill on a fishing pier and that was it for moving baits and catching fish on anything other than wood.
Now to the good parts. Like I said small one on the squarebill, couldn't buy a fish on a jig like I thought I could. Got to the first laydown and flipped a YUM wolly bully into it and caught another little chunky 14 incher. Flipped a couple really good looking trees and nothing. Got to thinking the water was pretty murky for color I was fishing so I switched to a black and blue Havoc Pitboss. First tree got a tick and stuck a good one. She was hung in the tree for a minute but I leaned on her pretty hard and she popped loose and the fight was on. She wallowed around on the top a little before I got ahold of her. 4.40lbs from the big nasty cedar tree behind me.
Hit a couple other brushpiles and caught another 3lber. Flipped to a laydown and when I lifted I felt nothing. Cranked like crazy and caught up with the fish and hit her hard. Almost exactly a pound smaller than the first one, 3.39 on the same bait.
Caught a few more small ones flipping trees before I ran out of good bank and putted across. Tons of willows with bass fry everywhere on the other side. I stuck another one in the 4lb range that wrapped up in the tree and came off. We got into the back of a cove and I saw a couple big fish in a willow tree. I could tell one was a carp, the other looked too green to be a carp. Pitched my bait and it caught a leaf and landed right on top of the fish. It was obvious that it was a bass that shot off and I thought I ruined my chance when she spun around, tipped down and inhaled my bait. She shot out of the water as high as I've ever seen a fish that size go and gave me a heck of a fight. 4.80lbs on an Okechobee craw Pitboss (ran out of black and blue).
I caught another 3 pounder off the same tree I caught the 3lber earlier in the morning on a black and blue Rage craw. I had to fish the first couple brushpiles from the morning before we left, since I had the right bait now. The first one was a huge dead cedar, nasty real estate for a big fish to be. Pitch, shake, shake, thump! Slammed the rod back and she didn't budge. Seesawed back and forth on the limb, saw a big white side flash then she was gone. Don't want to guess a weight but without a doubt bigger than anything else I caught. Made a couple more pitches to that tree before I spun around and flipped into the smaller cedar behind me. Pitched in and lifted into weight. Crossed her eyes and the same thing happened. Tug of war, flash, gone. Another one that was bigger than the rest. Disappointing but still good to see that the monsters are there since it was the first time on the lake.
retro basser reply :
Never heard of Lake Paho before that. Sounds like an awesome little lake..
Well I found a little shop I really like to take the transmission to so i'm having it rebuilt... it should easily be ready in time for Melvern. Hopefully before, cause I might have to *ahem* test out that drivetrain and hit some other lake earlier in the week getting rusty over here...
Chris S reply :
On 5/30/2012 at 1:11 AM, retro basser said:Never heard of Lake Paho before that. Sounds like an awesome little lake..
Well I found a little shop I really like to take the transmission to so i'm having it rebuilt... it should easily be ready in time for Melvern. Hopefully before, cause I might have to *ahem* test out that drivetrain and hit some other lake earlier in the week
A few of us are heading down Saturday to camp and fish let me know if you want to join in!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/30/2012 at 1:11 AM, retro basser said:Never heard of Lake Paho before that. Sounds like an awesome little lake..
Well I found a little shop I really like to take the transmission to so i'm having it rebuilt... it should easily be ready in time for Melvern. Hopefully before, cause I might have to *ahem* test out that drivetrain and hit some other lake earlier in the week
Seems like not many people have heard of it before, part of the appeal of it to me.
Good deal on the truck!
bassinKS reply :
is lake Paho in northern Missouri?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/30/2012 at 11:09 AM, bassinKS said:is lake Paho in northern Missouri?
Yep, in Mercer County. Nice little lake and very well taken care of.
retro basser reply :
On 5/30/2012 at 4:23 AM, Chris Schauer said:A few of us are heading down Saturday to camp and fish let me know if you want to join in!!
Sure, I'll probably shoot for getting down there in the afternoon, 3-5 or so and prefish a little. (makes getting the boat on the water at dawn soooo much easier What campground are you all staying at?
Chris S reply :
On 5/30/2012 at 11:27 PM, retro basser said:Sure, I'll probably shoot for getting down there in the afternoon, 3-5 or so and prefish a little. (makes getting the boat on the water at dawn soooo much easier
No clue never been down to Melvern, any suggestions? What boat ramp are we meeting at on Sunday? Also are the roads paved down there? Not a real big fan of busted up gravel roads!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 5/31/2012 at 12:05 AM, Chris Schauer said:No clue never been down to Melvern, any suggestions? What boat ramp are we meeting at on Sunday? Also are the roads paved down there? Not a real big fan of busted up gravel roads!
Forgot to add that part I guess. I'm thinking we'll go from Eisenhower State Park Ramp, the one closest to the dam. You never touch gravel and it's a pretty nice ramp minus one big pothole but it's easy to miss. It's a big campsite and very well kept for those of you that are camping.
Hi Salenity reply :
I just saw that In 2011, it was discovered that Melvern Lake had been infested with zebra mussels?
BTW what is the name of the campsite?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've never seen the zebra mussels in there but they're supposed to be there so I'm sure they're there. There's a bunch of different campsites within the state park, just a matter of which one you guys want to stay in. I think we stayed in the Dade loop last time we were down there and it was really nice with electric hookups in case you want a fan or to charge boat batteries.
retro basser reply :
Yeah looks like Eisenhower State park has just about everything including a huge ramp area to get everyone together in the morning...
Site #38 on the churchill loop seems to have the most room and electric.. I might just book that. You can have 8 tents per site but you might wanna just book another one next to it so we have plenty of room to bbq after the tourney etc. Whaddya think Chris?
This link will hopefully show ya what i'm talking about:
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteFilterAction.do?sitefilter=Standard with Electric Hookup&startIdx=0&contractCode=KS&parkId=519126&map=true
What insane pre-dawn hour should we be at the ramp Clayton? This must be why I bought a stove that boils water in under 2 minutes... Speed Coffee
Chris S reply :
On 5/31/2012 at 10:56 PM, retro basser said:Yeah looks like Eisenhower State park has just about everything including a huge ramp area to get everyone together in the morning...
Site #38 on the churchill loop seems to have the most room and electric.. I might just book that. You can have 8 tents per site but you might wanna just book another one next to it so we have plenty of room to bbq after the tourney etc. Whaddya think Chris?
This link will hopefully show ya what i'm talking about:
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteFilterAction.do?sitefilter=Standard with Electric Hookup&startIdx=0&contractCode=KS&parkId=519126&map=true
What insane pre-dawn hour should we be at the ramp Clayton? This must be why I bought a stove that boils water in under 2 minutes... Speed Coffee
Book it and those of us camping can split the cost when we get there, will need to bring ext cords and a power strip so we can run mult items off the power. I will be leaving around 230pm on Saturday to head down my fishing buddy Sean has a Church picnic he has to attend from 11-2pm. I have Claytons cell number, I will PM my cell to those of you that are camping Saturday. I am going to stay possible Sunday night and fish Monday also any one else have that plan?
Hi Salenity reply :
It won't let me book it online... I called earlier to look for a cabin and the woman I talked to was not in Kansas and was unhelpful to say the least. BTW it says 2 cars / campsite.On 5/31/2012 at 10:56 PM, retro basser said:Yeah looks like Eisenhower State park has just about everything including a huge ramp area to get everyone together in the morning...
Site #38 on the churchill loop seems to have the most room and electric.. I might just book that. You can have 8 tents per site but you might wanna just book another one next to it so we have plenty of room to bbq after the tourney etc. Whaddya think Chris?
This link will hopefully show ya what i'm talking about:
http://www.reserveam...519126&map=true
What insane pre-dawn hour should we be at the ramp Clayton? This must be why I bought a stove that boils water in under 2 minutes... Speed Coffee
Bluebasser86 reply :
We had to book at the little office down there last time we camped there. You do have to use a home computer to do it, it won't let you book them on a smart phone for those sights that you can book online.
Missouribassman95 reply :
I know this isn't exactly related to what you guys are talking about, but what's the name of the lake right before you hit Blue Springs along I-70 going east? I looked at it on google earth but it didn't have a name. It's past Grain Valley, and it's right before NE Adams Dairy Pkwy.
Thanks,
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/1/2012 at 9:13 AM, Missouribassman95 said:I know this isn't exactly related to what you guys are talking about, but what's the name of the lake right before you hit Blue Springs along I-70 going east? I looked at it on google earth but it didn't have a name. It's past Grain Valley, and it's right before NE Adams Dairy Pkwy.
Thanks,
I've driven past the lake you're talking about I believe, right off I-70 to the north with several brushpiles or standing trees visible from the road? I've looked on google earth to try to find a name of it also and have had no luck. It looks public but every time I've been by it I haven't had time to drive around it or anything.
Hi Salenity reply :
It keeps telling me, Not available on-line
Bluebasser86 reply :
probably just have get a spot when you guys get down there. Shouldn't be a problem, the campground is huge and it isn't a holiday.
Missouribassman95 reply :
Ya, that's the one I was talking about. Except I meant going WEST (not east) into Blue Springs. I've only seen one boat on it even though I've driven past it countless times.On 6/1/2012 at 9:48 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I've driven past the lake you're talking about I believe, right off I-70 to the north with several brushpiles or standing trees visible from the road? I've looked on google earth to try to find a name of it also and have had no luck. It looks public but every time I've been by it I haven't had time to drive around it or anything.
retro basser reply :
On 6/1/2012 at 12:20 PM, Bluebasser86 said:probably just have get a spot when you guys get down there. Shouldn't be a problem, the campground is huge and it isn't a holiday.
That's so true there's gonna be a trillion spots. I'll bring an extension cord and a power strip. Does anyone have a sweet tailgatin grill? My campin grill isnt big enough to feed too many people.
I guess if i'm there before 3 I'll just grab something on the point of the churchill loop and text Chris and Salenity what number I get. I'll PM you guys my cell #.
If you see a bass boat with carpet so green it makes your eyes water at 300 yards.. that's me Gonna be hard to sit around and not get on that new water, but i'll try..
Hi Salenity reply :
I can't sleep I must be ready to go already
I'll bring a small grill and a bag of charcoal. It should do fine if we all want to do Dogs or Brats but it'll get crowded if we try to do steaks...My number is 913-710-8114 anyone that wants to can call or text me. I should make it by 4 if not earlier.
Hi Salenity reply :
So I'm at melvern shall we say pre fishing or should I say I got my weekends mixed up? my mistake... anyhow goe a bunch of smallies and a walley? And striper but we didn't land the stripper ! Lol
Long story... ill make anoher report later.....................................good times
Hi Salenity reply :
So it rained Sunday morning so we didn't get on the water until around 9. Not a lot to report Sunday, 2 cats, 2 crappie all on a Mepps Several whites but no Greens or Browns that made it in the boat. I did have 2 unknown fish to the boat that were in the 2' range easily. I was brown and may have been a Carp and the other was Black. I didn't see it's head but it's tail could have gone 6'' tall fanned out.
The camp sight was $22.70 with a truck pass!!! We stayed in 38 on church hill loop. We were the only ones in a tent everyone else was in RV's
A tournament was just getting over as we got off the water. It took just over 9# to win it and paid $500 to win and my buddy said he thought they said it paid $300 something for second!
I talked to a guy that fished in it and he said the winner had 1-15'' 1-14'' and the rest were 13'' fish? I can't make that add up we got a smallie that went 16'' and it didn't go 2# maybe I need new scales LOL! Do they let you enter 13'' fish in Tournaments?
Anyhow this was the fish if the weekend. I had one almost as big but the pic sucks.
Anyhow it was a great weekend I hope I can make it out again next weekend.
Chris S reply :
On 6/3/2012 at 10:51 AM, Hi Salenity said:So I'm at melvern shall we say pre fishing or should I say I got my weekends mixed up? my mistake... anyhow goe a bunch of smallies and a walley? And striper but we didn't land the stripper ! Lol
Long story... ill make anoher report later.....................................good times
Now thats funny!!! I have a change of plans also....My buddy Sean thought his church picnic was next Saturday 11-2pm, turns out it was this past weekend 11-2pm!! So we can leave Saturday morning to head down! I will reserve spot 37 next to retro on spot 38, can some one else grab 39? My cell is 302 943 8810. I have a Gold Titan and a Black Lowe FM165
Hi Salenity reply :
Btw NONE of the smallies we caught had Tattoos. I was pretty bummed at that, I was wanting to see some pretty fish
Hi Salenity reply :
You'll want 36-38-40. 37&39 are across the road.On 6/4/2012 at 9:39 PM, Chris Schauer said:Now thats funny!!! I have a change of plans also....My buddy Sean thought his church picnic was next Saturday 11-2pm, turns out it was this past weekend 11-2pm!! So we can leave Saturday morning to head down! I will reserve spot 37 next to retro on spot 38, can some oen else grab 39? Mt cell is 302 943 8810. I have a Gold Titan and a Black Lowe FM165
retro basser reply :
You freaked me out for a minute when i thought it was this weekend Salenity... I thought for sure I was missing it. I didnt feel too bad for ya though when i realized you now have a perfect excuse to hit Melvern two weekends in a row
Were they moving deeper already? I bet after a week of this heat it's gonna convince em...
Might as well try to catch my first smallie on a #6 dropshot...hehe
Hi Salenity reply :
If I knew my Monday morning job was going to fall through I'd still be there!On 6/5/2012 at 12:35 AM, retro basser said:You freaked me out for a minute when i thought it was this weekend Salenity... I thought for sure I was missing it. I didn't feel too bad for ya though when i realized you now have a perfect excuse to hit Melvern two weekends in a row
Were they moving deeper already? I bet after a week of this heat it's gonna convince em...
Might as well try to catch my first smallie on a #6 dropshot...hehe
Saturday I did good on a Black/Yellow squarebill but they were out in no-mans land. If you had the boat ware you could just cast to the bank we would see them jumping behind us. we actually caught them fishing away from the shore. (hope that makes sense)
We did see lots of boats fishing in deep water but I'm not sure if they were fishing for bass or crapie?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/4/2012 at 9:36 PM, Hi Salenity said:So it rained Sunday morning so we didn't get on the water until around 9. Not a lot to report Sunday, 2 cats, 2 crappie all on a Mepps Several whites but no Greens or Browns that made it in the boat. I did have 2 unknown fish to the boat that were in the 2' range easily. I was brown and may have been a Carp and the other was Black. I didn't see it's head but it's tail could have gone 6'' tall fanned out.
The camp sight was $22.70 with a truck pass!!! We stayed in 38 on church hill loop. We were the only ones in a tent everyone else was in RV's
A tournament was just getting over as we got off the water. It took just over 9# to win it and paid $500 to win and my buddy said he thought they said it paid $300 something for second!
I talked to a guy that fished in it and he said the winner had 1-15'' 1-14'' and the rest were 13'' fish? I can't make that add up we got a smallie that went 16'' and it didn't go 2# maybe I need new scales LOL! Do they let you enter 13'' fish in Tournaments?
Anyhow this was the fish if the weekend. I had one almost as big but the pic sucks.
Anyhow it was a great weekend I hope I can make it out again next weekend.
Sounds like a good day. My best inside source said last report he had was tough but he wasn't sure the guy he got the report from knew much about what he was doing.
Just so everyone knows, since there are two ramps in the state park, We'll be going from the East ramp, the one closest to the dam.
The wife and I spent the weekend at Milford with some of my family and had a blast! We were the first two there Friday night. We threw the tent up and cooked some hotdogs and still had half an hour before dark so we dropped the boat in and fished around the boat ramp cove in a couple spots I knew had some good fish. We were on fish immediately. My wife caught a big crappie, a little wiper and a little largemouth. I caught this chunky 16 inch largemouth on a popper.
Flipped into the same spot with a football jig and got thumped by this 18" largemouth.
.
Caught a couple small smallmouth before we called it a night.
Next morning was chilly! We started in the same area and it was way slower. I caught a couple smallmouth and small wipers. Tossed a trap at some wipers and was surprised by this 17" greenie. Most trips I don't catch a single largemouth but not the case this trip!
We went to the dam and I spent most of the next 2 hours unhooking my wife's fish. She was kicking my butt from the back of the boat. This is one of her biggest smallmouths and one of 2 keepers she caught.
They weren't all bass either.
She got worn out from catching fish I guess and decided to lay out in the back of the boat for awhile. I throw netted some shad to drag behind the boat while I was fishing for smallmouth to try to get a big wiper. First fish was a goldeye, looked like a little tarpon except they have teeth!
Little ways further I heard a clunk behind me and turned around to see my rod folded in half and line burning off the spool. A nice fight and I got this 4.89lb wiper in the boat.
I ended up with 59 bass Saturday and my wife outfished me bad, not sure what her final numbers were but I know I unhooked way more of her fish that I did mine.
Sunday I went out by myself in the morning before the forcasted storms that never happened rolled in. I got a couple pretty nice smallmouth at 17 and 16.5 inches. I really liked the colors on the second one.
Spent the rest of the day catfishing with my aunt trying to catch her some dinner. Not much luck but one small blue and one small channel should be enough for 2 people I hope. Had a blast for sure!
Chris S reply :
Question: I have a yearly boat ramp sticker for Hillsdale, does that not get me the use of Melvern's State owned boat ramps at no charge??
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/6/2012 at 1:53 AM, Chris Schauer said:Question: I have a yearly boat ramp sticker for Hillsdale, does that not get me the use of Melvern's State owned boat ramps at no charge??
Is it the vehicle pass that you put on your windshield to get into state parks? If so then you're good to go for the vehicle pass and ramp fee in the state park where we're going from, you'll just have to pay for your camping spot.
Chris S reply :
On 6/6/2012 at 5:22 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Is it the vehicle pass that you put on your windshield to get into state parks?
Yes it is!!
Chris S reply :
On 6/2/2012 at 5:36 AM, retro basser said:That's so true there's gonna be a trillion spots. I'll bring an extension cord and a power strip. Does anyone have a sweet tailgatin grill? My campin grill isnt big enough to feed too many people.
I guess if i'm there before 3 I'll just grab something on the point of the churchill loop and text Chris and Salenity what number I get. I'll PM you guys my cell #.
If you see a bass boat with carpet so green it makes your eyes water at 300 yards.. that's me
I called and 36 & 38 are first come first serve, I will be down around 1030amish Saturday and will get 36 and the lady at the park said toss the extra tent on 38 to keep it for you.
bassinKS reply :
man hearing you guys talk about this makes me wish I could go but work is holding me back. If there is another one I will make sure I make it
Chris S reply :
On 6/9/2012 at 3:48 AM, bassinKS said:man hearing you guys talk about this makes me wish I could go but work is holding me back. If there is another one I will make sure I make it
You should see the food list on the PM's going back and fourth
joefish reply :
Hope you guys have a great weekend at Melvern. Wish I could have joined you, but I already had reservation at a fishing camp on Rainy Lake in Ontario, Canada.
All packed up, Boat hooked up, alarm set for 3:00 AM, be on the road by 4:00 AM and in Fort Frances Ontario around 5:00 PM. Hotel in town then 26 mile boat ride to camp early Sunday AM. Smallmouth beware !!!
retro basser reply :
On 6/9/2012 at 7:58 AM, joefish said:Hope you guys have a great weekend at Melvern. Wish I could have joined you, but I already had reservation at a fishing camp on Rainy Lake in Ontario, Canada.
All packed up, Boat hooked up, alarm set for 3:00 AM, be on the road by 4:00 AM and in Fort Frances Ontario around 5:00 PM. Hotel in town then 26 mile boat ride to camp early Sunday AM. Smallmouth beware !!!
Holy ****, that's a trek! Canada is amazing from what I've seen. They take care of their lakes. Good luck!
retro basser reply :
Our Melvern get together went down this weekend and was a good time but we had to earn it, thats for sure. Wind wasnt too bad until about 9 AM and then it was just bombing the whole north side of the lake. The moving bait bite was pretty much over after the first thing in the morning for us, then we just had to pick em off with plastics. My partner Chris is good with a shakeyhead and picked up quality fish with it throughout the day. I thought we were going to pick up a couple more coming over the side of the boat driving back across the 3 foot breaks at the end of the day.
Chris Schauer was the only one lucky enough to camp out and fish it twice... since he wasnt as pressed for time he took a break to get a piercing done:
Even with that in his finger he still toughed it out and stayed out in the chop longer than us...
I think the big bass of the day went to the Chris on my boat, a smallie just shy of 3 pounds. Picture doesnt do it justice, the thing was raisin hell coming into the boat and just real healthy.
I've had easier days on the lake by a long shot, but it was good to meet some of the guys, and the beers, brats, n burgers afterwards were all the better cause we earned em..
Bluebasser86 reply :
It was a lot of fun despite the wind. The fish were making us work since they wouldn't touch a moving bait, fishing slow in a wind like that isn't easy. I'm glad everyone was able to make it out there and catch some fish! Hopefully Chris got that hook out of his finger without an issue once he got to the hospital. We'll have to try to plan the next one a little further out so if more people want to go they'll have the chance to get the day off.
Hi Salenity reply :
Hey Chris, how's that finger?
It was GREAT to meet everyone and fish the wind. We did Ok, but our biggun was only a 15'' White. lol
I hit the State lake today for a couple hours. It was just me and my kids (2&5 years old) so I didn't get a chance to fish a lot but I got this one and a catfish that was around 5#
If anyone wants to fish at the state lake hit me up.
Busy reply :
What state lake? I live about 4 minutes away from the LV County State Lake.
Chris S reply :
All good here. Doc cut it out got a few stiches. My buddy Sean and I had a blast at Melvern. We left with a live well with some meat and we both caught our first ever smallys!!! I hit Hillsdale Tuesday with my son Jake and we had 3Walleye and some Whites. Look forward to the next one!
My biggest at Melvern was 3 pounds, on Saturday
Chris S reply :
Finger Pics. My 7 year old begged to go and watch the doc cut it out. She even let him help out with the stiches. Of course we saw her two weeks ago when Jake had his yearly does of poison ivy ;(.
Hi Salenity reply :
Miami countyOn 6/13/2012 at 9:49 PM, Busy said:What state lake? I live about 4 minutes away from the LV County State Lake.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/13/2012 at 11:13 PM, Chris Schauer said:Finger Pics. My 7 year old begged to go and watch the doc cut it out. She even let him help out with the stiches. Of course we saw her two weeks ago when Jake had his yearly does of poison ivy ;(.
Dang he must be as sensitive to poison ivy as I was when I was little. I used to be able to just get close to it and get the stuff. Now I can walk through it as long as it isn't cut with the sap coming out of it.
retro basser reply :
Dang Chris you got alot of good ones out there! I was impressed with the overall size of the fish... It was hard to catch one under a pound it seemed to me... even though Clayton probably convinced 50 or so shorties to jump in the boat
I caught 30 at DGCO today before 9AM It was nice to set into that many, caught at least another 10 bluegill, sunnies, and crappie so i was throwin em back constantly. You only need a squarebill and a some kind of plastic worm to follow up the misses with... Might take my daughter out this weekend and let her throw a sinking bait for the first time
Chris S reply :
I will be back to Melvern in the near future!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/14/2012 at 4:36 AM, retro basser said:Dang Chris you got alot of good ones out there! I was impressed with the overall size of the fish... It was hard to catch one under a pound it seemed to me... even though Clayton probably convinced 50 or so shorties to jump in the boat
I caught 30 at DGCO today before 9AM It was nice to set into that many, caught at least another 10 bluegill, sunnies, and crappie so i was throwin em back constantly. You only need a squarebill and a some kind of plastic worm to follow up the misses with... Might take my daughter out this weekend and let her throw a sinking bait for the first time
I think I only had 27 bass all day. Not sure how many drum I caught, way too many that's for sure. We didn't catch any walleyes and Peter only had 1 big white bass. Melvern doesn't have tons of whites it doesn't seem but man when you catch one it's a nice one.
Chris S reply :
Walleye and Whites yummy!! Thats only half, Sean has the other half!!
Busy reply :
On 6/15/2012 at 2:55 AM, Chris Schauer said:Walleye and Whites yummy!! Thats only half, Sean has the other half!!
and Keystone Light! xD
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/15/2012 at 2:55 AM, Chris Schauer said:Walleye and Whites yummy!! Thats only half, Sean has the other half!!
I guess at least you got something good to eat out of the Melvern get together and not just a hook in the hand It was unfortunate you had to miss out on the good eats afterwards though.
pbrussell reply :
Well, finally got into a nice one at perry.
Caught this 5 1/2er this morning in rock creek marina.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/17/2012 at 1:41 AM, pbrussell said:Well, finally got into a nice one at perry.
Caught this 5 1/2er this morning in rock creek marina.
Looks like a nice, healthy Perry largemouth. How was the water out there? Is it still looking really green? I'm afraid it may have another bad algae bloom like last year.
pbrussell reply :
It was actually noticeably greener than usual. I was a bit perplexed by this, seeing as how I'm used to the mud tint out there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/17/2012 at 7:10 AM, pbrussell said:It was actually noticeably greener than usual. I was a bit perplexed by this, seeing as how I'm used to the mud tint out there.
Milford already has algae warnings, don't think it's blue-green algae but still harmful stuff I guess. I'm afraid that Perry may not be far behind. The water out there was bright green last time I was there, like a golf course green green. That was only in the marina by the dam that it was that green but we only had 1 bite back there so it must have been affect the fish too.
Chris S reply :
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Overland+Park+KS+66212:4:US
With this weather outlook for the next 10 days its gonna get worse before it gets better.
retro basser reply :
On 6/17/2012 at 8:43 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Milford already has algae warnings, don't think it's blue-green algae but still harmful stuff I guess. I'm afraid that Perry may not be far behind. The water out there was bright green last time I was there, like a golf course green green. That was only in the marina by the dam that it was that green but we only had 1 bite back there so it must have been affect the fish too.
My next door neighbor wont water his tomatoes without the Miracle-Gro attachment i swear... I blame him for the algae.
I'm not dumb enough to think that it will ever stop so i just wish the'd invent a baitfish that would gorge on algae all day...
On 6/18/2012 at 10:26 PM, Chris Schauer said:http://www.weather.c...k KS 66212:4:US
With this weather outlook for the next 10 days its gonna get worse before it gets better.
I'm thinking Wednesday is the winner this week...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Chris and I will be enjoying the hot, windy weather on Hazel Creek Lake in northeastern Missouri for the next few days chasing that DD bass that broke my heart a few years ago. Hopefully we'll have lots of pics and stories when we return
Busy reply :
good luck!
retro basser reply :
I hope the guys have better luck at Hazel creek than I have at perry the last couple times out.
Wendsday morning was just brutal, so windy and only two breakoffs for excitement. I think the fish are moving out further on the ledges & channels..makes beating the bank not so productive..
Busy reply :
I haven't had a chance to fish this week but my father and I did get the old 67' 18hp Evinrude Fastwin running so I took it out to run some gas through it on Tuesday. Man was it ever windy. I was very pleased with the motor and that it put the boat up on plane right where you want it. The '69 9.5hp wouldn't plane it out. I've been wanting to go to Perry or Clinton with it lately so maybe now with a bigger motor I can get on some bigger water. Hopefully with the rain last night this weekend will be better fishing! I really wanted to fish on Tuesday but didn't have the time. I would have imagined that even with the wind, the fish would be pretty deep. Everything weather wise is happening so early around here!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 1:06 AM, Busy said:I haven't had a chance to fish this week but my father and I did get the old 67' 18hp Evinrude Fastwin running so I took it out to run some gas through it on Tuesday. Man was it ever windy. I was very pleased with the motor and that it put the boat up on plane right where you want it. The '69 9.5hp wouldn't plane it out. I've been wanting to go to Perry or Clinton with it lately so maybe now with a bigger motor I can get on some bigger water. Hopefully with the rain last night this weekend will be better fishing! I really wanted to fish on Tuesday but didn't have the time. I would have imagined that even with the wind, the fish would be pretty deep. Everything weather wise is happening so early around here!
Your Dad's not a recruiter is he?
Busy reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 1:27 AM, Hi Salenity said:Your Dad's not a recruiter is he?
Nope.
Hi Salenity reply :
I just sold a 18 Fastwin to a recruiter.On 6/22/2012 at 1:29 AM, Busy said:Nope.
BTW, I haven't forgotten about you I just haven't got tires for my truck yet.
joefish reply :
Made back from Rainy Lake, Ontario. Caught a lot of Smallmouth, nothing huge, 3lb 15oz was the biggest that Pulled on my line. Was a great trip.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well Chris and I got back from Hazel Creek this afternoon. We're tired and our thumbs are torn up and even a little cut up. We got out before dark Tuesday morning and tried some bowfishing. The wind was already bad and it was tough to see in the murky water. I shot 2 grass carp in the 40lb range but both of them pulled off. Once the sun started to get up we started getting to the main attraction. We caught several fish that were much smaller than I expected but it didn't take long before I got one of the healthy bass that we were after on a pit boss.
I was getting quite a few small ones on a LC RC 2 squarebill but on one small point the fish I thought was a little nicer bass turned out to be a pretty little muskie.
The fish of 10,000 casts proved to not be very finicky this trip. Moving on, I missed a good fish on a tube and we caught a few more small ones when I got the first keeper of the trip off a tree in about 8 feet of water. 18" and a little over 3 pounds.
It got tough from there as the sun came up. I caught another muskie on a spinnerbait about the same size as my first but it squirted out of my hands and back into the water before we got a picture. We decided to get off the lake until the afternoon when it cooled off a little.
Once we got back we started about the same speed. We got a few small ones flipping trees. I pitched to a laid down tree with a 7" Rage Andaconda and got thumped. Stuck a good fish that pulled like it was twice it's size. Chris lipped her for me, got a weight and a couple pictures and put her back. 19.5" and 5 pounds even.
We tossed some deep runners on a flat and caught a couple dinks and I had a muskie chase mine to the boat and follow for 3 or 4 figure 8's before it sank out of sight. It was starting to get dark and Chris was throwing a spinnerbait in a cove between some stumps while I was doing the same with a spinnerbait. Right as his buzzbait got to the boat it sounded like he tossed a brick in the water and mayhem set in at boatside as his first muskie ever strained his bass gear while he tried to keep it out of the trees. He did a great job keeper her away from all the obstacles and I slid the net under her. We didn't really plan on catching any muskie so we didn't have anything to measure any longer than my 22" measuring board but it was probably 30-32 inches and 7-9 pounds.
Not sure what had happened to its gills but it didn't seem to be hurting it any as it swam away with no problems.
There's 1 island on the lake I wanted to try as it was about dark because it has deep water all around and then gets really shallow quickly around it but doesn't have any cover. I was thinking maybe they'd be up there pushing shad towards the shallows and feeding. Sticking with the same baits, Chris tossed his buzzbait up shallow and a huge head and mouthful of teeth engulfed his bait and it was on again . This one was obviously bigger and much thicker than the first and Chris got to enjoy the fight a little more in the open water. This one was probably around 32-34 inches and 10-12 pounds.
Next day with the memory of Chris' buzzbait muskies fresh in my mind I decided to try a big chopper bait for muskies, I was not expecting the 6" bass that pulled my bait down at all.
We got some small ones when I picked my cranking rod back up. I was tossing a LC RC 1.5 when I got slammed. Thought it was a good bass, turned out to be this 28-30 inch, 7lb muskie.
We got back to the same area Chris caught his first muskie the night before when he tossed a 10" power worm at a stump and slammed into a good fish. She steam rolled to some other stumps and got his line around them. Luckily he had a great guy on the trolling motor that got him over there in time and we got her in the boat. Another stout fish that rang up 5lbs even. She looked like she had just done spawning with her bloody tail
Another long spell of a few small fish here and there when I pitched into a brushpile with a 7" BPS Stick-O and got thumped.
She wrapped me up in the brushpile and wouldn't budge. While I was pulling on her she came up and got wrapped higher in the brushpile. I took my hat and sunglasses on and laid on my stomach and reached as far as I could but all I could grab was her tail. She ca
me off of that limb and swam further down in the tree. I could lift the tree so I just started pulling the tree up and Chris lifted it high enough I could see her again. So I leaned in head first up to my chest and finally got a grip on her and pulled her out. Don't think I've ever worked that hard for a fish. 20 1/2 inches and 5 1/2 pounds was my biggest bass of the trip.
After going back to the hotel to wait out the mid-day lull we were back at it. I started off fast, catching this this fish out of a culvert on a Yum Wooly Bug. It was 3lbs 6 ozs.
It was a slow evening for bigger fish after that. Chris was pitching a tube and got thumped when he tried to reel in. Thought it was a nice bass but turned out to be another little muskie. The fish had the line wrapped around it's teeth, not sure how it didn't cut him off.
That was it for bigger fish that night.
Last morning we were greeted by much nicer fishing weather. Clouds, drizzle, much less wind, and 10 degrees cooler than it had been had the fish biting. About 30 yards down from where I'd caught my first 5 pounder I pulled my Rage craw over a lay down and got popped. She was one the top almost instantly before she dug back down for the tree. It's crazy how strong the fish in that lake were but I still managed to keep her out of the tree. 20" and 4lbs 14ozs and super thick and healthy looking.
I still had my big muskie chopper bait when we got back to the flat that I'd had a muskie chase my crankbait to the boat the day before so I thought I'd toss it. First cast I cranked about 15 feet when it blasted. One of the coolest and most exciting strikes I've ever seen but it didn't connect with my bait, just knocked it about 10 feet in the air . With the perfect weather I wanted to go to the island where Chris had caught his biggest muskie and toss my topwater around it. We made a lap around with no love for my chopper. I knew there had to be fish up there so I switched to a black and orange bucktail. I made a few casts before I launched one up to the same spot Chris' fish was at. I looked away when I started my retrieve and right when I looked back a huge wake kicked up behind my bait. I sped up my retrieve and her dorsal and tail fin popped out of the water when she threw water and sped forward and smashed it. It was obviously the biggest one we'd seen this trip and my biggest I'd ever hooked. After an intense battle and some debating with each other if it would fit in the net, Chris got the net under her and just barely got her to fit. She was super thick and heavy, around 38-40 inches and 15 pounds. Finally my first legal sized muskie in Missouri! I haven't shaken that bad during and after the fight with a fish in a long time.
]
Shortly after that the sun came out and started to get humid again. I jumped off a bass around 4lbs and Chris finally got a good fish to eat a crankbait, probably the only one over 2 pounds of the dozens we caught on a cranks.
After that we started cranking and I got slammed, another little muskie, my 5th and our 8th of the 3 day trip.
I hooked and lost another muskie on the same crankbait that was a little bigger and Chris had another 30 incher chase his worm over a lay down and almost to the boat but didn't eat. It was a great trip despite the wind and hot weather.
joefish reply :
Those are some nice fish. Is Hazel Creek lake near Kirksville MO? Did not know there were Muskie in thaat lake.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 9:34 AM, joefish said:Made back from Rainy Lake, Ontario. Caught a lot of Smallmouth, nothing huge, 3lb 15oz was the biggest that Pulled on my line. Was a great trip.
4 pounder is a heck of a nice smallmouth in my book!
On 6/22/2012 at 10:03 AM, joefish said:Those are some nice fish. Is Hazel Creek lake near Kirksville MO? Did not know there were Muskie in thaat lake.
Yeah it's just north of Kirksville a few miles. They stocked muskie in there in the 80's or 90's and have been stocking them since, that's originally what drew me to the lake in my quest to catch my first muskie. I'd been there 4 or 5 times and caught 2 in all those trips. Not sure if they've just been stocking a bunch or if they were just biting good this trip but it was sure a great bonus to catch them.
retro basser reply :
Damm guys what a sweet trip. Those muskies are AMAZING...
Woulda been a riot to see you guys figguring out how to pull that 5.5er out of the tree. Helluva fish!
I looked up that lake, it looks to be a real good size and layout. What a sweet find.
PSUGorilla reply :
My friend and I will be heading out to hillsdale tomorrow around sunrise with my Xterra with our canoe strapped up top to avoid the worst of the heat immediately well be going that early. Well be trying the deeper south end we fished the north end 2 weeks ago and caught a couple carp and cats no bass. Its only about 10 ft deep on the north end with plenty of much shallower portions
Hoping for some big bass any suggestions on what to use from a canoe at hillsdale for bass?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/24/2012 at 6:28 AM, PSUGorilla said:My friend and I will be heading out to hillsdale tomorrow around sunrise with my Xterra with our canoe strapped up top to avoid the worst of the heat immediately well be going that early. Well be trying the deeper south end we fished the north end 2 weeks ago and caught a couple carp and cats no bass. Its only about 10 ft deep on the north end with plenty of much shallower portions
Hoping for some big bass any suggestions on what to use from a canoe at hillsdale for bass?
If you have some Dynamite handy you might have a chance to get a big bass at Hillsdale I've had my best luck there this time of year with a 10" blue fleck worm or blueberry colored brush hog. Friend of mine fishes the weeknight tournaments out there and fishes a rusty colored finesse jig with a green pumpkin colored trailer and wins them pretty often with it.
PSUGorilla reply :
Any good spots?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/22/2012 at 11:25 PM, retro basser said:Damm guys what a sweet trip. Those muskies are AMAZING...
Woulda been a riot to see you guys figguring out how to pull that 5.5er out of the tree. Helluva fish!
I looked up that lake, it looks to be a real good size and layout. What a sweet find.
Wish I would have had a camera several times on that trip. Chris' first muskie hit his buzzbait about 2 feet from his rod tip and threw water on both of us from the initial strike, just incredible. Me dead lifting a big tree and then dunking myself to get ahold of that bass would have been funny. I bet that whole ordeal lasted between 1 and 2 minutes, a long time to try to get a fish unstuck from a tree. The muskie that missed my topwater the last day was one of the coolest strikes I've ever seen. That chopper bait is like a 7" bucktail with a big wooden head and a single blade on the back of the head that makes a "plop plop plop" noise as you reel it. The fish must have rocketed straight up from the bottom in 7 feet because it almost came clear out of the water and knocked my bait over our heads in the process.
If you ever get the chance to fish it I would highly recommend it. Be ready to drive some nasty, dusty dirt roads and then fish a 500+ acre lake that you can only use your trolling motor on though.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/24/2012 at 11:44 AM, PSUGorilla said:Any good spots?
Points and treelines along channels should be good. My friend catches his on clay points in about 4-10 feet of water most of the time it seems. He fishes places I'd never guess there would be bass but that's probably why I don't catch bass at Hillsdale, along with the fact that I rarely fish it.
PSUGorilla reply :
Friend got sick this morning 45 minutes before we left so day is cancelled
retro basser reply :
On 6/17/2012 at 8:43 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Milford already has algae warnings, don't think it's blue-green algae but still harmful stuff I guess. I'm afraid that Perry may not be far behind. The water out there was bright green last time I was there, like a golf course green green. That was only in the marina by the dam that it was that green but we only had 1 bite back there so it must have been affect the fish too.
Read an article on this cause I was curious. The algae takes all the oxygen out of the water so that's why the fish leave. Who can blame them? especially if it's blocking the access to the bank so they cant feed off that side. Sounds like a pretty serious problem that aint going away.
Here's the article, about the effect on the Mississippi delta fishery
http://www.economist.com/node/21557365?fsrc=scn/tw/te/ar/bloominghorrible
Chris S reply :
On 6/24/2012 at 6:28 AM, PSUGorilla said:My friend and I will be heading out to hillsdale tomorrow around sunrise with my Xterra with our canoe strapped up top to avoid the worst of the heat immediately well be going that early. Well be trying the deeper south end we fished the north end 2 weeks ago and caught a couple carp and cats no bass. Its only about 10 ft deep on the north end with plenty of much shallower portions
Hoping for some big bass any suggestions on what to use from a canoe at hillsdale for bass?
There are bass in Hillsdale?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nobody been out fishing? You'd think it's been 100 degrees everyday for the past 2 weeks or something?
Hi Salenity reply :
I've went a couple of times with almost nothing to show for it. Did you make to the river the other day?
Chris S reply :
On 7/3/2012 at 11:05 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Nobody been out fishing? You'd think it's been 100 degrees everyday for the past 2 weeks or something?
Took out the rods and dropped in the ladder and the anchor. Swimming is a little to hot by 3pm!
Busy reply :
I'd like to go out tonight but it's looking like that is a long shot. Too hot for me lately though!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/3/2012 at 8:56 PM, Hi Salenity said:I've went a couple of times with almost nothing to show for it. Did you make to the river the other day?
Yeah went with a buddy and by the time we got out there all the good spots were taken. I tried a new spot and it was loaded with fish, unfortunately they were all gar. We stayed for about 3 hours until I got tired of messing with the dang things.
Dad and I fished Wyco this morning. It was a tough bite from the get go. I might have caught 10 or 12, I think dad caught 4. I had 2 keepers on shakeyheads and we each had a couple nice smallmouth but they've got to be 18" out there so it takes a really nice fish to be a keeper smallmouth.
joefish reply :
Been to Wyco a couple times early morning then home around 10:00 trying to beat the heat. Hasn't been great but got a few mostly smallmouth.
retro basser reply :
I must be getting used to the heat: when I saw it was only going to be a high of 97 Monday I jumped on it and made the trip down to Bourbon County. Second time there, first with a boat though and i gotta admit that's one of the nicer bass lakes i've been on in KS... Good depth all over the place, cover, vegetation, low pressure (i'm guessing), healthy, ticked-off, fish too.
It used to be 5 miles of gravel to get there from 59 highway but they've paved it up all the way till about the last half mile now...
The bite was real slow monday evening and i fished about an hour past dark... but I was covering water with fast moving baits and those werent the trick for me... only caught a few, but i get my first spotted bass ever.
Morning bite was alot better, it was a bit overcast and pretty windy, but slowed-down, dark colors still worked best for me. I had good luck with a 7'' junebug ribbontail on a shakeyhead. I caught at least a dozen without really working all that hard, nothing huge, but the dinks were almost pounders and i caught a couple nice 2+ lbers as well to spice it up a bit.
It seemed to me at least that there were alot more bass on the inlet side of the lake than I was expecting... There is a pretty nice feeder stream and good depth on that top quarter of the lake compared to most i've fished... It was real fun and easy to fish.
I took some pics of the lake since it's kind of trip to go and see for yourself:
A great island in the stream to fish:
great spot for bank beaters about half way up on the west side:
A 2.5 lber from out there:
Bluebasser86 reply :
I really like fishing that little lake, it actually fishes a lot bigger than it is because you can literally catch fish anywhere in that lake. I know there's bigger ones in there but I think the little ones just beat them to the bait most of the time. I've caught a couple 4-41/2 pounders but I know they sample them up to 6 out of there, the spots are a nice bonus too, plus there's some huge crappie in there. That was another lake I'd considered for the get together because I was sure that everyone could catch fish but the dirt roads are rough getting out there and I knew some of the guys wouldn't be willing to pull their boats out there. Might have to try to get a fall get together put together, that lake is a blast once it cools off and they start slamming cranks and topwater
Doc-Drew reply :
Is this the same lake as the Bourbon State Fishing Lake on the kdwp website?
Busy reply :
On 7/6/2012 at 6:52 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Might have to try to get a fall get together put together
+1
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/6/2012 at 11:05 PM, CCC-Drew said:Is this the same lake as the Bourbon State Fishing Lake on the kdwp website?
Yep, it's a good little lake. About a 60/40 mix of largemouth to spots. Mainly rocky structure but there's some brushpiles and laydowns and the far south arms there are 2 pretty good sized creeks you can get back into a ways. There's Bourban State Lake, Bourban County Lake Cedar Creek, and Bourban County Lake Elm Creek. The state lake is by far the best.
retro basser reply :
It is the 103 acre one on KDWP.. I guess it does fish alot bigger than 103 because almost the entire thing is fishable.. makes sense to me...
To me that style of lake is just what i'm looking for... Not too big of water, free camping, easy to fish (and catch), and it's just far enough away to feel like your getting away from it all...
Some guy was trying to convince me that Cedar Creek was better for bass... maybe those folks down in Ol Bourbon County dont know how lucky they are...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Cedar Creek is kind of like Critzer Lake that they opened up in Mound City, it almost has too much standing timber, I can't even get my boat through a lot of it. I'm sure Cedar Creek has some big fish in it but I've never caught any. I'm not sure I could get them up through the timber even if I could get one on. There's lots of fish in cedar for sure and some pretty decent fish too but the size of the fish are a lot like Bourban State Lake but it's a lot harder to fish because of all the trees.
pbrussell reply :
Speaking of critzer, went there on the 4th. It was hot (yep).
Anyhow, it was pretty slow. My buddy and I caught about six a piece, most coming from the dam.
I ended up with a smallmouth out there, so that was kind of fun.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/8/2012 at 9:22 AM, pbrussell said:Speaking of critzer, went there on the 4th. It was hot (yep).
Anyhow, it was pretty slow. My buddy and I caught about six a piece, most coming from the dam.
I ended up with a smallmouth out there, so that was kind of fun.
What did you think of Critzer? I thought the trees were a little too thick down there, I couldn't even get through them about 1/2 the time. I was also under the impression that they were just short of jumping in the boat, I worked hard to catch a couple dozen, none of them bigger than about 2 pounds. I didn't catch a single fish off the dam down there. A guy I work with has several pictures of him and his friend with 5+ pound fish from out there, all on jigs according to him.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Friend and I are hitting Miami tomorrow, storms or no storms. I could think of worst ways to go than struck by lightening while I was fishing Should be a good swimbait bite with the cool down and the forcasted clouds tomorrow. If not I know they'll always eat a jig or a squarebill, usually both. Hopefully have a good report tomorrow night.
Hi Salenity reply :
Good luck, the last time I went I only got 2-3 fish
What time are you going?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/9/2012 at 6:02 AM, Hi Salenity said:Good luck, the last time I went I only got 2-3 fish
What time are you going?
Going early and staying until about 4 if they're biting. Friend of mine went last Saturday and had about 40 with a 4 pounder being the biggest and his friend had another 15 or 20. I'm sure the first hour or two will be by far the best like it normally is.
pbrussell reply :
On 7/8/2012 at 11:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:What did you think of Critzer? I thought the trees were a little too thick down there, I couldn't even get through them about 1/2 the time. I was also under the impression that they were just short of jumping in the boat, I worked hard to catch a couple dozen, none of them bigger than about 2 pounds. I didn't catch a single fish off the dam down there. A guy I work with has several pictures of him and his friend with 5+ pound fish from out there, all on jigs according to him.
They're not just a little too thick. They are too thick. I know that the fishing can be good there, but you have to be about crazy and in a really small jon boat to get to the good spots. Plus, all of it starts looking the same which can drive a man crazy. I'm fortunate fish were relating to the dam the other day. That made things easy.
Chris S reply :
On 7/9/2012 at 6:02 AM, Hi Salenity said:Good luck, the last time I went I only got 2-3 fishWhat time are you going?
I just saw your avatar and started laughing!!!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 7/9/2012 at 9:50 PM, Chris Schauer said:I just saw your avatar and started laughing!!!
Busy reply :
It's raining where I'm at!! You guys keep dancing, it's working!
Bluebasser86 reply :
It didn't rain on us all day and the fishing at Miami sucked! I got 8 in about 2 hours with a 4.73lb fish being the only bigger than 15".
It was so slow we decided to go try a super secret lake I got permission to fish a 30 acre lake I grew up on in Piper, KS since it was made private several years ago. The fish there were healthy and hungry I caught 26 and Jon probably had 15 or 20 himself. No big bass, but several over 15" up to about 18", a lot of fun and sore ribs since they were eating plastics. One bite was decidedly different. I was hoping it was a big bass but this chunky flathead was still a good time. He at a Havoc Craw Fatty and he hasn't missed many meals for sure!
Hi Salenity reply :
I don't feel so bad now. The last time I went I was focusing on some spots I normally wouldn't fish trying to find a summertime pattern. I showed up before the sun and caught NOTHING for the first hour!
Who's boat in the last 2 pics was that at the pond?
BTW, I'm thinking about putting my tin can on CL Today if anyone knows someone looking. $2k
Hi Salenity reply :
On 7/10/2012 at 4:38 AM, Busy said:It's raining where I'm at!! You guys keep dancing, it's working!
I can't dance = It didn't rain a drop.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/10/2012 at 9:31 PM, Hi Salenity said:I don't feel so bad now. The last time I went I was focusing on some spots I normally wouldn't fish trying to find a summertime pattern. I showed up before the sun and caught NOTHING for the first hour!
Who's boat in the last 2 pics was that at the pond?
BTW, I'm thinking about putting my tin can on CL Today if anyone knows someone looking. $2k
That's my friend's boat who lives on the lake I was fishing.
We were geared up for it to rain and about 10 minutes before we went home it sprinkled just hard enough for us to feel for about 5 seconds.
bassinKS reply :
I love critzer lake earlier this year i caught a 5 1/2 lber out of there and several 2lb-3lb fish we had a great day out there. Im glad i dont have a fiberglass boat when i go out there because my aluminum boat goes through hell.
And since you guys are talking about miami have any of you ever fished that area that is on the other side of the road? I managed to fit my boat under that culvert thing and threw frogs over there and did really good actually i was surprised.
and as a side note has anyone been seeing bullfrogs around at any of the lakes? I havent been seeing that many when I go after them
Chris S reply :
I have been getting my Frog Legs from Price Chopper at 87th and Antioch
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/11/2012 at 12:23 AM, bassinKS said:I love critzer lake earlier this year i caught a 5 1/2 lber out of there and several 2lb-3lb fish we had a great day out there. Im glad i dont have a fiberglass boat when i go out there because my aluminum boat goes through hell.
And since you guys are talking about miami have any of you ever fished that area that is on the other side of the road? I managed to fit my boat under that culvert thing and threw frogs over there and did really good actually i was surprised.
and as a side note has anyone been seeing bullfrogs around at any of the lakes? I havent been seeing that many when I go after them
I also have an aluminum, a 16' Lowe Roughneck but those trees we're too thick for me to get through on Critzer unless I started the big motor and powered through and I wasn't up to that.
I've launched my boat directly into that little pond to the east at Miami and it can be some great fishing. The weeds are terrible this year so I haven't fished it but I'm sure it would be good with frogs. We almost tried it the other day but decided to head to the next lake where I knew we could catch some fish.
I have seen a ton of bullfrogs at a couple public ponds, big, topwater frog eating sized frogs.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 7/11/2012 at 12:23 AM, bassinKS said:I love critzer lake earlier this year i caught a 5 1/2 lber out of there and several 2lb-3lb fish we had a great day out there. Im glad i dont have a fiberglass boat when i go out there because my aluminum boat goes through hell.
And since you guys are talking about miami have any of you ever fished that area that is on the other side of the road? I managed to fit my boat under that culvert thing and threw frogs over there and did really good actually i was surprised.
and as a side note has anyone been seeing bullfrogs around at any of the lakes? I havent been seeing that many when I go after them
I got a 5.5 and numerous 4 pounders from that side last July/August
retro basser reply :
Went to my 'practice lake' DGCO overnight and got alot of new patterns worked out. I'm trying to get more ways to attack that deep water and all the healthy bass were suspended between 15-20 feet so that was the time to do it... water temp 86!! In the morning it felt like i was pulling my lures out of a hottub as i fixed em I swear.
Gradual points with some grass on them were producing by either ripping a squarebill through it or a Swim Jig. That was my first time sporting one and I gotta say i really liked it. The splashdowns are real quiet because the skirt acts like a parachute before it hits the water. Plus you could just rip it through anything and fish it any way you want. Probably got half of my fish off of one.
The other thing I felt good about was fishing a shakeyhead on ledges in that deep of water, I got picked up a ton but was using those Zoom elastech worms and kept losing them. The bait is incredibly durable and trust me the fish hang on to it, I had a ton of times where i got one halfway up to the boat before they realized i was dragging them up on that super-stretch worm. Just wish they'd eat the dang thing.
You guys find any new patterns to beat the heat? Fishing 20 feet straight down aint so easy it turns out...
On 7/11/2012 at 12:23 AM, bassinKS said:and as a side note has anyone been seeing bullfrogs around at any of the lakes? I havent been seeing that many when I go after them
Ton of em at DGCO... I'm almost certain i heard one become a 4:30 breakfast for a bass this morning in the cove closest to me.. Now if only the neighbor dogs that wont shut up would get carried of by mutant eagles or something...
joefish reply :
Well gonna be off the water a while, the rear x member on my trailer broke in the middle, 
luckily did not drop motor lower unit to the road! Called a buddy who has a good shop with lots of equipment so will limp it over there drop boat in his pond and see what we can do to repair the trailer. Hopefully I can catch him this week and get the trailer back in commission soon.
Busy reply :
Sorry to hear that! Hope you are back in action soon!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Trailer problems suck! I've spun a bearing on the road twice and ruined an axle one of those times.
Chris S reply :
Fished Melvern Sunday. Big Whites and a Walleye. No Smallys !!!!!!!!!
Chris S reply :
any one know about this site or if this guy keeps those LMB??
http://www.kansasfisherman.com/fishingpictures.html
Bluebasser86 reply :
Never heard of him but looking at those pictures I'd guess he lives on a private lake with little fishing pressure. Several of the pictures have the same house or dock in the background like he's catching them in his backyard and taking pictures of them.
pocd reply :
On 7/19/2012 at 12:24 AM, Chris Schauer said:any one know about this site or if this guy keeps those LMB??
http://www.kansasfis...ngpictures.html
The fish on my website were all turned back after pics were taken. Thanks for asking.
Chris S reply :
On 7/19/2012 at 3:04 AM, pocd said:The fish on my website were all turned back after pics were taken. Thanks for asking.
If you ever need help Bluebasser and I are always up for some new water!!
pocd reply :
On 7/19/2012 at 3:30 AM, Chris Schauer said:If you ever need help Bluebasser and I are always up for some new water!!
Should try to make that happen sometime.I see that Bluebasser lives in Shawnee...that's where I lived for almost 30 years. while I do live on a private lake, I have been fishing small public waters for the past 2 years and doing a blog for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. That blog has now been converted to my own private blog. Goal? Help more weekend fisherman catch more fish and to convince people to utilize those small lakes close to home...some of which we drive by everyday going to work. You will note in the bio' that I fished 35 tournaments a year for 7 years and twice represented Kansas on their BASS Federation Team. Thanks for allowing me to post with you...!
Chris S reply :
On 7/19/2012 at 4:20 AM, pocd said:Should try to make that happen sometime.I see that Bluebasser lives in Shawnee...that's where I lived for almost 30 years. while I do live on a private lake, I have been fishing small public waters for the past 2 years and doing a blog for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. That blog has now been converted to my own private blog. Goal? Help more weekend fisherman catch more fish and to convince people to utilize those small lakes close to home...some of which we drive by everyday going to work. You will note in the bio' that I fished 35 tournaments a year for 7 years and twice represented Kansas on their BASS Federation Team. Thanks for allowing me to post with you...!
Welcome aboard! We have a good group of folks on here! We did a paper tourny on Melvern back in June and it was a blast!!
pocd reply :
On 7/19/2012 at 4:40 AM, Chris Schauer said:Welcome aboard! We have a good group of folks on here! We did a paper tourny on Melvern back in June and it was a blast!!
Thanks for the "Welcome". This is the first ever "forum" I have ever participated in. Will try not to break any rules. If I do...be nice the first time...LOL
Bluebasser86 reply :
Yeah we do have a very good group of guys on this forum. I can say from our Melvern get together everyone here is very willing to share info and gets along well. I think it helps that nobody here seems to have an ego or anything to prove, just all here to help each other out and have a good time. We all fish the local lakes, including the small local lakes, quite a bit. There's a very good rules page and FAQ page that the moderators have included. I'd suggest looking over those to help you keep on the straight and narrow path. Welcome to the forum!
pbrussell reply :
Dont exclude the rest of us ks guys Christ. I live in shawnee too
retro basser reply :
On 7/16/2012 at 3:50 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Trailer problems suck! I've spun a bearing on the road twice and ruined an axle one of those times.
Axel Grease?!? As many miles as you drive chasin bass?
On 7/19/2012 at 3:30 AM, Chris Schauer said:If you ever need help Bluebasser and I are always up for some new water!!
You use those great video skills on a trip with these guys...
They won't let you down... trust me..
On 7/19/2012 at 5:29 AM, pocd said:Thanks for the "Welcome". This is the first ever "forum" I have ever participated in. Will try not to break any rules. If I do...be nice the first time...LOL
I've never read the rules... don't worry. Just don't be a Jerk.
pocd reply :
I agree...not many things worse than having trailer problems...usually happens at the worst possible time too...although, come to think about it, there really isn't a "good" time.
Hey retro basser...who has the "great video skills"?
Bluebasser86 reply :
It was actually 3 times now that I think about it, once with my old johnboat and twice with the boat I have now. I lost the dust cover off my johnboat trailer and a small rock got into the axle and wrecked the bearing. First time with my boat I have now was because I hadn't regreased the bearings in a long time. Second time was because Wal-Mart sold me the wrong tires. Each time sucked real bad.
joefish reply :
Scheduled my trailer repair for next Friday 7/27. That will be two weeks out of commission. Oh well, it's going to be really hot until then anyway.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm sending 2 of my main reels to get serviced while it's reel hot again. Get them ready to roll for when it starts to cool down and the fish start biting again. Hopefully it will work out the same way with your trailer.
Hi Salenity reply :
Just wanted to post some pics of all the fish i've got lately...
kylek reply :
Got this one this morning on a 10" motoroil colored powerbait worm. The scale read 4.7lbs but I think it is off a little. I think it was more in the 3lb class.
kylek reply :
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/22/2012 at 9:18 AM, kylek said:Got this one this morning on a 10" motoroil colored powerbait worm. The scale read 4.7lbs but I think it is off a little. I think it was more in the 3lb class.
Good looking fish. Where'd you get it at? I've heard they're starting to release water upstream of us so I may be on the river looking for another big catfish. I finally broke down and bought a 100lb scale so maybe this time I could actually get a weight on them. Either that or I may go punish myself at Wyco. My new little honeyhole has been great for the numbers of solid 15-18 inch fish but I don't want to beat it up too bad, not yet anyways.
kylek reply :
I caught it at Watkins Mill State Park. Was in about 10' of water buried in some nasty type of grass. Other than that one we caught a few small ones and that was it.
kylek reply :
kylek reply :
That is a little better. Still trying to get the hang of posting pictures here. This one made it look a lot bigger!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I keep thinking about making the drive up there but haven't gotten around to it. My buddy keeps telling me it's not any good but I keep seeing pictures and hearing reports that say otherwise.
Chris S reply :
On 7/21/2012 at 12:11 PM, pocd said:.Hey retro basser...who has the "great video skills"?
I am guessing he checked out your website!
Chris S reply :
Took my son out to Cedar Creek Sunday in the 100 degree temp because he was driving me nuts to go fishing. He lasted all of two hours and we left with with two dinks from the dam area caught on 1/8 oz shake head. I looked at Jake in the back seat of the truck and said next time i tell you its to hot to go fishing are you gonna listen?? I hear YES DAD!!!!!!
retro basser reply :
On 7/21/2012 at 12:11 PM, pocd said:Hey retro basser...who has the "great video skills"?
You! I have no idea how you manage to fish, film and keep the picture steady in a little aluminum boat... That's some multi-tasking right there...
On 7/22/2012 at 9:18 AM, kylek said:Got this one this morning on a 10" motoroil colored powerbait worm. The scale read 4.7lbs but I think it is off a little. I think it was more in the 3lb class.
Hey, ummmm, where'd you buy that scale at? I'm thinking I need one of those...
Good fish!
retro basser reply :
On 7/23/2012 at 10:24 PM, Chris Schauer said:Took my son out to Cedar Creek Sunday in the 100 degree temp because he was driving me nuts to go fishing. He lasted all of two hours and we left with with two dinks from the dam area caught on 1/8 oz shake head. I looked at Jake in the back seat of the truck and said next time i tell you its to hot to go fishing are you gonna listen?? I hear YES DAD!!!!!!
Jake sounds like he's ready to get his own account on here! Took my daughter out Saturday evening and they were biting pretty good actually... I think she could have got her first fish from casting a jig but she's doing good to stick with it for 5 casts much less 2 hours!
pocd reply :
On 7/24/2012 at 5:54 AM, retro basser said:You! I have no idea how you manage to fish, film and keep the picture steady in a little aluminum boat... That's some multi-tasking right there...
Hey, ummmm, where'd you buy that scale at? I'm thinking I need one of those...
Good fish!
If you knew you would die laughing... The "Fishing Tips" videos on the web site were/are easy...but the ones on the blog are a whole nother deal since I'm casting at the same time. Wish my videos would make my fish look as big as kylek's scale does...lol.
kylek reply :
On 7/24/2012 at 5:54 AM, retro basser said:You! I have no idea how you manage to fish, film and keep the picture steady in a little aluminum boat... That's some multi-tasking right there...
Hey, ummmm, where'd you buy that scale at? I'm thinking I need one of those...
Good fish!
It's my father in law's scale but I do like the way it weighs them that is for sure!!!! It was 19" on the board.
kylek reply :
Where's the best place to find a mess of smallmouth around here? Would love to go to a lake and catch a few. With my scale I may be able to catch a few 5lbers!!!!! :eyebrows:
Bluebasser86 reply :
Melvern is the closest place to KC with lots of good smallmouth. Milford, Wilson, and Glen Elder are all good options too if you're willing to drive further. Wyandotte is the only lake that is really close that has smallmouth. All of them have fish over 5lbs too.
kylek reply :
On 7/24/2012 at 10:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Melvern is the closest place to KC with lots of good smallmouth. Milford, Wilson, and Glen Elder are all good options too if you're willing to drive further. Wyandotte is the only lake that is really close that has smallmouth. All of them have fish over 5lbs too.
Thank you!!! I will get with my father in law and see what we can come up with. Are any of these good to fish with these temps we are stuck with? Any tips or honey holes you care to share?
Kyle
Bluebasser86 reply :
One of the other guys on here had one of the best days I've ever heard of anyone having out there 2 weeks ago despite the heat, caught them up shallow too.
Tough to beat a shakeyhead this time of year, or a small craw colored tube. I usually do my best on flat rock points, usually in surprisingly shallow water, less than 8' most of the time.
joefish reply :
Coffey County Lake is another good smallmouth lake. Be careful if it is windy, that lake can be rough. Haven't been there for years, I need to get back down there when the weather cools down.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/26/2012 at 4:01 AM, joefish said:Coffey County Lake is another good smallmouth lake. Be careful if it is windy, that lake can be rough. Haven't been there for years, I need to get back down there when the weather cools down.
That lake stumps me almost every time I go down there. I have a couple things I'd like to try down there that I think would work that work well on Melvern most everytime. I don't ever fish it anytime other than during the winter so that may have something to do with it though. Make sure to check the forecasted wind speed and add about 5-7mph to whatever they say it's going to be. If they say anything over 10mph I don't bother going because they'll probably page you off before the end of the day. Plus you have to wear your life jacket the entire time you're on the water so make sure you have an inflatable or it gets pretty uncomfortable pretty fast. I know there's good smallmouth in there but I could count all of them I've caught from my 6-8 trips on two hands and nothing bigger than 2 pounds.
joefish reply :
On 7/26/2012 at 6:25 AM, Bluebasser86 said:That lake stumps me almost every time I go down there. I have a couple things I'd like to try down there that I think would work that work well on Melvern most everytime. I don't ever fish it anytime other than during the winter so that may have something to do with it though. Make sure to check the forecasted wind speed and add about 5-7mph to whatever they say it's going to be. If they say anything over 10mph I don't bother going because they'll probably page you off before the end of the day. Plus you have to wear your life jacket the entire time you're on the water so make sure you have an inflatable or it gets pretty uncomfortable pretty fast. I know there's good smallmouth in there but I could count all of them I've caught from my 6-8 trips on two hands and nothing bigger than 2 pounds.
I have caught a couple 3# there a few years ago. But you gotta be careful of the wind it can get really bad quick. Life jackets are a PIA so having an inflateable is a goood thing.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 7/26/2012 at 8:06 AM, joefish said:I have caught a couple 3# there a few years ago. But you gotta be careful of the wind it can get really bad quick. Life jackets are a PIA so having an inflateable is a goood thing.
I fished there with my father and a guide (Clyde the Guide) this spring and we did fairly well. Caught a ton of large crappie (12"+) and quite a few smallmouth. Mainly we focused on submerged roadbeds and humps about 10' deep. Coffey County also has quite a few decent wipers in it if you get lucky.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I just got a new deep cranking rig (Mojo 7' 8" Big Crankster rod with a 5.2 Pro Qualifier). Hadn't had a chance to use it at all because I've been working 12 hour days all week so I left for a work about 20 minutes early and stopped by Olathe and made a couple casts off the dam. Couldn't fish a deep runner because I was on the bank so I put a big Strike King 4S squarebill on it. Rod and reel both felt nice and I even managed to catch a skinny 16 incher while I was there Think I'm really going to like it and hopefully it will help me get better at fishing deep crankbaits.
joefish reply :
OK, good to go. Trailer all rewelded, better than new. Just need to reinstall the marker lights on the rear X member and ready to go fishing! Glad I have a good friend with the equipment, He wouldn't take any $$, guess I owe him a few lunches.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/28/2012 at 9:11 AM, joefish said:OK, good to go. Trailer all rewelded, better than new. Just need to reinstall the marker lights on the rear X member and ready to go fishing! Glad I have a good friend with the equipment, He wouldn't take any $$, guess I owe him a few lunches.
Lucky you! My wife's family owns a trailer supply company (Jayhawk Camper Sales in Bonner Springs) so I got a big discount on the parts I had to get to fix my trailer thankfully. That stuff gets expensive really quick! If he fishes I'd say take him on a trip or two to pay him back
joefish reply :
On 7/28/2012 at 9:17 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Lucky you! My wife's family owns a trailer supply company (Jayhawk Camper Sales in Bonner Springs) so I got a big discount on the parts I had to get to fix my trailer thankfully. That stuff gets expensive really quick! If he fishes I'd say take him on a trip or two to pay him back
He's a good friend and we do fish together occasionally, actually he used to work for me before I retired. He is one of the group that goes to Canada with me every June.
We didn't need much in parts, just some scrap plate steel. biggest thing was welder and skill to use it.
retro basser reply :
I'm glad my trailer is solid cause my truck sure has been giving me enough problems lately, was gonna go thursday after the rain but I finally admitted to myself that my brakes were too dangerous to to tow the boat fishing... You woulda thought the time I went to bourbon county would have convinced me: I was flying down that last big hill, lake dead ahead and when i went to hit the brakes, it just when PHHHHHSSSSHH and I had no stopping power at all. Nope, I just learned how to roll to a stop and kept on Bassin' lol.
Anyways Thursday the brake reservoir was low so i knew i had a fluid leak and I wasted a perfectly good day fishing putting new front calipers and bleeding the system... With those back to tip-top I was feeling rather entitled on Friday, so I went out to Perry and worked her over pretty good: 12 hours on the water. Once again, I shoulda got out earlier, morning is by far the best, there was a suprising afternoon bite around 3 though... The lake is easily a foot lower than it was in spring so alot of the good spring spots are worthless now, but it turned out to be not a bad day, after all the high was only 96, fish were hitting a moving bait somewhat. Rattle trap did good for me, plastics on a football jig were doing well till I ran out of em. Since all the fish had moved since last time I went I spent alot of time figuring out where they weren't... again I didnt really care though, just felt so good to be out there again after all this heat.
My favorite new swimjig catching a stickfish:
retro basser reply :
On 7/28/2012 at 8:54 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Well I just got a new deep cranking rig (Mojo 7' 8" Big Crankster rod with a 5.2 Pro Qualifier). Hadn't had a chance to use it at all because I've been working 12 hour days all week so I left for a work about 20 minutes early and stopped by Olathe and made a couple casts off the dam. Couldn't fish a deep runner because I was on the bank so I put a big Strike King 4S squarebill on it. Rod and reel both felt nice and I even managed to catch a skinny 16 incher while I was there
Did you string it up with Floro? That stretchy mono sure is nice for not ripping the hooks from their mouth but get it too far away you can't feel anything... I have a feeling your wanting to cast FAR with that thing...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/29/2012 at 1:14 AM, retro basser said:Did you string it up with Floro? That stretchy mono sure is nice for not ripping the hooks from their mouth but get it too far away you can't feel anything... I have a feeling your wanting to cast FAR with that thing...
I went with P-line C21 copolymer. I don't think it stretches quite as bad as mono and that stuff is crazy strong!
I bet that big drum had your hopes up didn't it? I caught one about that size on a deep running crankbait out there a couple years ago and I thought I had a monster until I saw it. It never rolled like they normally do, just bulldogged around like a big mama bass.
ks cranker reply :
On 7/28/2012 at 8:54 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Well I just got a new deep cranking rig (Mojo 7' 8" Big Crankster rod with a 5.2 Pro Qualifier). Hadn't had a chance to use it at all because I've been working 12 hour days all week so I left for a work about 20 minutes early and stopped by Olathe and made a couple casts off the dam. Couldn't fish a deep runner because I was on the bank so I put a big Strike King 4S squarebill on it. Rod and reel both felt nice and I even managed to catch a skinny 16 incher while I was there
I got a deep cranking set up this year too. Haven't used it too much yet either. Are there any good deep cranking lakes around here? Seems like everyone I talk to about bassin around KS doesn't think you need to spend much time fishing any deeper than 10 ft...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 7/29/2012 at 5:12 AM, ks cranker said:I got a deep cranking set up this year too. Haven't used it too much yet either. Are there any good deep cranking lakes around here? Seems like everyone I talk to about bassin around KS doesn't think you need to spend much time fishing any deeper than 10 ft...
Honestly I'm not really sure if there are any with a truly good deep cranking bite that you can just set up on a hump or ledge and catch them all day. I know a couple smaller lakes with a pretty decent deep cranking bite around here (Pleasanton City Lake East, Olathe Lake, Lake Fort Scott, Bourban State Lake, Wyandotte, and Leavenworth are best for me). There's a couple places in Miami that seem like they should be good deep cranking spots but I just can't seem to get them to hit. I can catch them on a shakeyhead or C-rig but not a deep crank. A lot of the time I'm not fishing water deeper than 10', probably why I like baits like a series 5 or medium sized fat free shad, they get to the bottom and bounce around but don't dig a trench. Still, even those baits were a little too much for my regular glass cranking rod. The little lake I got access to in KCK is a pretty good deep cranking lake, so is Lake Quivira when I get to fish it. I'll also get to use it when I make my trips to Table Rock, Lake of the Ozarks, Pomme, Bull Shoals, and any of those other lakes that I drive the few hours to because the fishing is so much better than the lakes around here.
joefish reply :
On 7/29/2012 at 1:11 AM, retro basser said:I'm glad my trailer is solid cause my truck sure has been giving me enough problems lately, was gonna go thursday after the rain but I finally admitted to myself that my brakes were too dangerous to to tow the boat fishing... You woulda thought the time I went to bourbon county would have convinced me: I was flying down that last big hill, lake dead ahead and when i went to hit the brakes, it just when PHHHHHSSSSHH and I had no stopping power at all.
Had a similar deal when I blew a brake wheel cylinder while towing the boat.......Kinda freaky using the parking brake to stop with. But I limped her home and made the needed repairs.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Anyone every fish Heritage Park Lake for bass? I tried to fish it once from the bank and only managed a couple superdinks under 10". I didn't expect much because JOCO parks can't seem to figure out how to get any kind of fishable population of bass in any of it's lakes but I thought maybe it would be like Kill Creek that I think is just out there far enough that it doesn't get a ton of pressure and keeps it decent. I know it has a small ramp I could put my 12' john boat in there from but just looking for any info so I might know if it's even worth my time?
Also found Paola Lake off Cedar Niles just north of 287th St which is just south of Hillsdale. This is a different lake from Miola that's actually in the city of Paola. Can't find anything to say whether its public or private. Doesn't have a boat ramp it doesn't look like but I could get my john boat in it since the road goes right across the dam. Looks like it has a good amount of trees around almost the entire lake with some maybe even in the water, but it has houses at a couple points on the lake too.
Chris S reply :
Found the best use for Hillsdale during the summer months! Yall dont be haten on my custom umbrella rig from Big Lots for $5!!!!!
joefish reply :
On 7/31/2012 at 2:40 AM, Chris Schauer said:Found the best use for Hillsdale during the summer months! Yall dont be haten on my custom umbrella rig from Big Lots for $5!!!!!
Maybe a little taller seat pole and it would be perfect !
Bluebasser86 reply :
It's still a great drum fishery this time of year! I bet it felt like bath water though! I'm probably down for a week or two, my motor was running like crap last night, loud and would barely get on plane and lots of vibration. Hopefully it's not too expensive but if I know anything about boat repairs they don't make anything cheap for them
Chris S reply :
On 7/31/2012 at 4:52 AM, joefish said:
Maybe a little taller seat pole and it would be perfect !
Its actually two pieces the umbrella and the bottom pole, I keep it down as far as it will go due to the fact that any real wind will fold it up like a news paper! If I had it all the way up it would be about six feet high.
Chris S reply :
On 7/31/2012 at 6:27 AM, Bluebasser86 said:It's still a great drum fishery this time of year! I bet it felt like bath water though! I'm probably down for a week or two, my motor was running like crap last night, loud and would barely get on plane and lots of vibration. Hopefully it's not too expensive but if I know anything about boat repairs they don't make anything cheap for them
Think good thoughts on the motor!!!! I caught two catfish on deep diving cranks at Hillsdale just goofing around!
retro basser reply :
On 7/29/2012 at 5:12 AM, ks cranker said:I got a deep cranking set up this year too. Haven't used it too much yet either. Are there any good deep cranking lakes around here? Seems like everyone I talk to about bassin around KS doesn't think you need to spend much time fishing any deeper than 10 ft...
You know, i wouldnt call it good but at Lonestar that's about the only pattern that's ever worked for me well out there. 15 feet from the west boat ramp is an impressive ledge that usually holds em..
On 7/31/2012 at 2:40 AM, Chris Schauer said:Found the best use for Hillsdale during the summer months! Yall dont be haten on my custom umbrella rig from Big Lots for $5!!!!!
Love it!! Spent many an hour looking for that sliver of shade on the lake to rest mid-day and dreaming up a contraption to just rig the boat up with shade... now that you've tackled that, my next idea is a small wind turbine that charges the batteries
On 7/29/2012 at 2:08 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I went with P-line C21 copolymer. I don't think it stretches quite as bad as mono and that stuff is crazy strong!
I bet that big drum had your hopes up didn't it? I caught one about that size on a deep running crankbait out there a couple years ago and I thought I had a monster until I saw it. It never rolled like they normally do, just bulldogged around like a big mama bass.
Cool, i'm using the cheap P-line copolymer in 8# on mine and it does pretty well gotta say. That's what i was reeling those drums in on with a rattletrap. If the fish hits it on a drop, i'm always suspicious that it's a drum out at perry, I dont think i've ever caught one with the guts to hit a lure while it's moving... but that guy was still pretty fun to haul in, not gonna lie..
Bluebasser86 reply :
Drum can be fun to fight when they get that big no doubt. They'll hit a moving bait too, I've caught a bunch on crankbaits and even a few on spinnerbaits.
Chris S reply :
On 7/31/2012 at 10:33 PM, retro basser said:You know, i wouldnt call it good but at Lonestar that's about the only pattern that's ever worked for me well out there. 15 feet from the west boat ramp is an impressive ledge that usually holds em..
Love it!! Spent many an hour looking for that sliver of shade on the lake to rest mid-day and dreaming up a contraption to just rig the boat up with shade... now that you've tackled that, my next idea is a small wind turbine that charges the batteries
Cool, i'm using the cheap P-line copolymer in 8# on mine and it does pretty well gotta say. That's what i was reeling those drums in on with a rattletrap. If the fish hits it on a drop, i'm always suspicious that it's a drum out at perry, I dont think i've ever caught one with the guts to hit a lure while it's moving... but that guy was still pretty fun to haul in, not gonna lie..
Solar Charger from Harbor Freight!!
pocd reply :
On 7/31/2012 at 2:40 AM, Chris Schauer said:Found the best use for Hillsdale during the summer months! Yall dont be haten on my custom umbrella rig from Big Lots for $5!!!!!
Okay...just signed on forum to "catch up" and saw your post...this is really a cool/great idea...particularly with small kids onboard. Genius!!!
Chris S reply :
On 8/1/2012 at 2:53 AM, pocd said:Okay...just signed on forum to "catch up" and saw your post...this is really a cool/great idea...particularly with small kids onboard. Genius!!!
If ya want to get technical you can mount a pole holder (salt water type or PVC Pipe) and take the one off your back patio and use it just fine!! I did that in Florida with my CC after my T Top broke and I did not have the $$ to replace it! I just slipped the patio Umbrella in the pole holder opened it up while at anchor or even drifting and all good. On the ride in take it, store it and put back on the patio before the wife ever knew it was gone! Cheap I am, Genius I am not
pocd reply :
On 8/1/2012 at 3:33 AM, Chris Schauer said:If ya want to get technical you can mount a pole holder (salt water type or PVC Pipe) and take the one off your back patio and use it just fine!! I did that in Florida with my CC after my T Top broke and I did not have the $$ to replace it! I just slipped the patio Umbrella in the pole holder opened it up while at anchor or even drifting and all good. On the ride in take it, store it and put back on the patio before the wife ever knew it was gone! Cheap I am, Genius I am not
Hey Chris...if you wife never knew it was gone...that alone qualifies you as "genius"...lol
Chris S reply :
On 8/1/2012 at 4:14 AM, pocd said:Hey Chris...if you wife never knew it was gone...that alone qualifies you as "genius"...lol
Like my wife says if we are out fishing she is out shopping! American Express never leave home with out it! or even worse VISA accepted every where!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I'm doing some training right now that let me get off a little earlier than usual and I was a little closer to home than usual (Olathe) so I called my buddy whose parents live at Lake Quivira and asked if he wanted to do a little moonlight bassin' and he said he was up for it for a couple hours. Still 90 degrees out and stupid humid but we managed to put a few in the boat, nothing huge but fun.
Average sized one on one of my black and purple jigs
I got brave and fished the hot pink chatterbait I made for my wife and caught 5 on it! Actually seemed to catch better sized fish.
And big fish of the night. I seem to be getting into a habit of this? Black and purple jig next to a dock got thumped right off a little rock ledge. Had my hopes up for a minute, 13 1/4lb flathead.
Chris S reply :
Blue your gonna have to go to the Catfishing website if you keep this up!!!
retro basser reply :
On 8/1/2012 at 1:48 AM, Chris Schauer said:Solar Charger from Harbor Freight!!
Good call! I looked into solar actually, even a good sized panel was only putting a little over 1 Amp per hour back into the battery, my battery is about 90 Amps and I drain it in a day... Might get a little one to keep the starter battery topped off though...
Chris S reply :
On 8/2/2012 at 10:41 PM, retro basser said:Good call! I looked into solar actually, even a good sized panel was only putting a little over 1 Amp per hour back into the battery, my battery is about 90 Amps and I drain it in a day... Might get a little one to keep the starter battery topped off though...
I got on Harbor Freights mailing list so once a month I get the sale guide with all kinds of stuff in it, if I see a coupon on the Solar charger I will let ya know! The one thing I did grab from Harbor Freight was a back up set of trailer lights, they are magnetic and work pretty well for $9.99!!! The coupon was in Bass Master Magazine!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Had about an hour after training before I had to go in for my overtime shift tonight so I stopped by Olathe and fished off the dam. Tossing a buzzbait and the same black and purple jig I had last night I caught 3 (2 on a jig, 1 on the buzzbait) in about 30 minutes and got busted off on my jig by what I'm guessing was another kittyfish. I don't know what their attraction to me has been lately? I spent the night on the river Sunday night and they ignore me but I go bass fishing and they won't leave me alone? Must be like when you're dating when you don't have a girl none of them want you but when you have a girl they all want you? Something like that?
Wachati reply :
Fished Miami Co. yesterday evening. Steady fishing from 5-9 pm. Caught on shad swim bait, square bills, Missouri craw jig, and a sexy mouse spinner caught the biggest of the day. I think I had the most fun during about a 20 minute window late in the evening when the bass were just annihilating shad top water. The amount of bait in that lake is just crazy. They liked the smaller swimbait during this time, wouldn't touch a 5" or 6" swim shad. Overall I thought it was great fishing for the heat.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 8/3/2012 at 10:52 PM, Wachati said:Fished Miami Co. yesterday evening. Steady fishing from 5-9 pm. Caught on shad swim bait, square bills, Missouri craw jig, and a sexy mouse spinner caught the biggest of the day. I think I had the most fun during about a 20 minute window late in the evening when the bass were just annihilating shad top water. The amount of bait in that lake is just crazy. They liked the smaller swimbait during this time, wouldn't touch a 5" or 6" swim shad. Overall I thought it was great fishing for the heat.
It's good to hear they are starting to bite again. Me and a buddy are either going to head to the State lake or Melvern Tomorrow.
Wish us luck!
Busy reply :
On 8/4/2012 at 9:03 PM, Hi Salenity said:Wish us luck!
Good luck!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/4/2012 at 9:03 PM, Hi Salenity said:It's good to hear they are starting to bite again. Me and a buddy are either going to head to the State lake or Melvern Tomorrow.
Wish us luck!
Do any good? I think me and Wachati (Peter) are going to try somewhere Monday, maybe Bone Creek or something since it's supposed to be so much cooler out with those highs in the low 90's.
Hi Salenity reply :
28MPH winds as I hit the water this evening at Miami Co. I brought 8 rods but only unloaded 4 that I thought I could use in the wind.
I had an eyelet fall out of a tip top on a Veritas and I was throwing a 3/4oz spinner and had that once a year backlash bad enough I just put it away leaving me with a deep crank rod with an old back up 5.1 reel that hated the wind as much as I did!
Long story short I was using a 7'11''H rod with 23#fc to throw a 1oz jig not the ideal bait on a tough time of the year for that lake
I did get a few with the biggest 2 probably close to 3#
As I left the lake and got phone service again I checked and the winds were still 16-24mph
Chris S reply :
Took a ride down to La Cygne to check things out, the new tower is almost finished! Jake and I fished a few spots with the best coming from the rock ledges in the back of the lake, shakey head with a worm and square bill. WT was 87 to 99 Cant wait for these temps to keep dropping!!!!
Hi Salenity reply :
Me and Wachati went to Miami county early Sunday morning until around 10? We caught fish but it was hard to catch more than one in a spot. Some times we wouldn't get any fish off a point at all. The bite may be picking up but it's still barely worth going.
Chris S reply :
On 8/7/2012 at 12:19 AM, Hi Salenity said:Me and Wachati went to Miami county early Sunday morning until around 10? We caught fish but it was hard to catch more than one in a spot. Some times we wouldn't get any fish off a point at all. The bite may be picking up but it's still barely worth going.
Beats yard work !!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Me and Peter went to Bone Creek today. Fished from about 6am to 2pm. Lots of fish but couldn't find the big fish. Most fish were on baby brush hogs, trick worms, or squarebills. Trolling motor battery was dead the last couple hours but we could just barely move because of the light winds. I ended up with 41 bass, a few bluegill and sunfish and one channel cat.
joefish reply :
Anybody fished Perry lately? Think I will head over there Tuesday morning.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 8/7/2012 at 6:32 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Me and Peter went to Bone Creek today. Fished from about 6am to 2pm. Lots of fish but couldn't find the big fish. Most fish were on baby brush hogs, trick worms, or squarebills. Trolling motor battery was dead the last couple hours but we could just barely move because of the light winds. I ended up with 41 bass, a few bluegill and sunfish and one channel cat.
Sounds like you did better than we did. what colors were working for you I used a baby brush hog in GP with blue flake Sunday and had no luck
Hey what's the scoop on your motor did you figure out what was wrong with it?
Anyone wanting to sell a 24V bow mounted foot controlled trolling motor let me know.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/7/2012 at 9:26 AM, Hi Salenity said:Sounds like you did better than we did. what colors were working for you I used a baby brush hog in GP with blue flake Sunday and had no luck
Hey what's the scoop on your motor did you figure out what was wrong with it?
Anyone wanting to sell a 24V bow mounted foot controlled trolling motor let me know.
I was using watermelon red magic with the twin tails dipped in chartruese JJ's. Also caught some on watermelon candy after I went through the bag of watermelon red magic.
I talked to Frank's about my motor, they said they should get to look at it the end of this week which works well because I'll be getting paid for the extra week of hours I worked in overtime this last couple weeks so I'll have extra cash to pay for it. Just hope it's done in time for me to start fishing the Wednesday nighters in a couple weeks.
retro basser reply :
On 8/7/2012 at 8:13 AM, joefish said:Anybody fished Perry lately? Think I will head over there Tuesday morning.
Dont waste your time going anywhere not near 18+ ft of water and dont be afraid to try a rattletrap, especially bleeding shad.
retro basser reply :
On 8/7/2012 at 12:19 AM, Hi Salenity said:Me and Wachati went to Miami county early Sunday morning until around 10? We caught fish but it was hard to catch more than one in a spot. Some times we wouldn't get any fish off a point at all. The bite may be picking up but it's still barely worth going.
I meant to go to my little state lake early sunday but got delayed until about 10... everyone I talked to said it was a slow morning but as i got there it really seemed to be picking up. I stayed till about 1 and it was better than i thought for the hot part of the day. Caught most off the bottom with a lightweight jig, 1/4 oz i think.
Once Miami starts going again i really want to get out there...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished my private honeyhole this morning from 5:30-10 with a friend from work who joined the site not long ago. It was a little slower than usual but still had no problem catching fish. Most fish were on a pit boss or cavitron. I had one big one boil and suck the buzzbait under but just didn't hook up. Ryan caught a super thick 3.39lb fish that was probably 16 1/2-17 inches on a pit boss and a few yards down the bank I caught one that was 4.10 on the buzzbait that had about a 7 or 8 inch bluegill in it's throat with just the tail sticking out of her throat.
That's the first one over 4 I've caught in over a month. I forgot my camera in the truck so Ryan took a picture with his phone, hopefully I can figure out how to get it on here cause we got one looking down her throat at that big tail sticking out of her throat. Second time around the lake my pitboss got jacked while it was sinking through a brushpile. Turned out to be about a 8lb flathead though.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well finally got a call on my boat today. My third cylinder coil went bad and needs replaced and they said the spark plugs would need done soon so I had them replace those too. Parts, labor, and tax it's going to be $301.95 so not as bad as I was afraid it might be. On a side note, be careful browsing TW at 3am right after getting a big paycheck, you may find yourself spending over $100 on stuff you don't need
Chris S reply :
Rolling down to Lacygne with Jake Friday morning! Still looking for that 5 pounder I missed last weekend!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/9/2012 at 10:54 PM, Chris Schauer said:Rolling down to Lacygne with Jake Friday morning! Still looking for that 5 pounder I missed last weekend!
The wiper are supposed to be going good down there trolling cranks or 4" swimbaits. If you can find it there's a sunken bridge down by the dam where the water goes from about 32-22 feet of water really quickly. Trolling cranks and drifting live shad or jigging bucktails over that is how I've caught some of the biggest wiper I've caught from there. Just a thought in case the bass don't cooperate for you guys.
If you have any interest in catching catfish you should take Jake to one of the Pleasanton City Lakes. You can literally put 50-100 catfish from 1-20 pounds in the boat in a day of fishing if you know what you're doing. Good bass fishing in both and some big wipers and walleyes in the bigger East lake. If I ever had a day off I'd be more than willing to guide you guys down there for a day. I've taken several guys down there with their kids and had a ball each time. Last time I went down there my friends son had 3 catfish over 10lbs with the biggest being 14lbs 11ozs.
Wachati reply :
Hit my new favorite honey hole this evening. The fishing was great. Everything I caught was over 2 lbs. my two biggest were 4.16 and 5.73. I caught the 4 pounder on a havoc black/blue fluke. The 5.73 I caught on a Havoc 4" pit boss junebug. I don't know if it's the cool temperatures and don't want to get too excited but maybe the bigger fish are starting to bite.
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm ready let's go! Txt me
Wachati reply :
Hit the state lake this AM, and I'm already home. Caught a few dinks off square bills and a few off shakey/worm. Oh and a catfish on a square bill, got excited for a minute. Had one break off, that sums it up. Figured I go home and make some jigs. Probably hit Wyandotte sun evening, and bone creek Monday.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/11/2012 at 11:35 PM, Wachati said:Hit the state lake this AM, and I'm already home. Caught a few dinks off square bills and a few off shakey/worm. Oh and a catfish on a square bill, got excited for a minute. Had one break off, that sums it up. Figured I go home and make some jigs. Probably hit Wyandotte sun evening, and bone creek Monday.
Do you have the Wyco permit for your boat? It's kind of expensive to be buying it this late in the year.
Hi Salenity reply :
^^^He said he did^^^, Hey Peter if you want I'll tag along Sunday. I had plans with the family Today.
Wachati reply :
Yeah your buddy that I bought the boat from had the permit on the boat. So I am assuming that the 2012 permit sticker on the boat will be sufficient. If not I will have to buy one because we're coming for the top dog once he returns for Wednesday night tourneys.
Hi Salenity reply :
Any advise on fishing the dot?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/12/2012 at 8:17 AM, Wachati said:Yeah your buddy that I bought the boat from had the permit on the boat. So I am assuming that the 2012 permit sticker on the boat will be sufficient. If not I will have to buy one because we're coming for the top dog once he returns for Wednesday night tourneys.
They aren't transferrable. If you get checked they'll write you a ticket and you'll have to buy one or leave. I think they're about 50 dollars for a out of county year permit plus another 30 for a out of county year fishing license. As far as I know the top dogs of that tournament fished it all year.
On 8/12/2012 at 10:16 AM, Hi Salenity said:Any advise on fishing the dot?
My best advice is be ready to be confused and disappointed on a weekly basis. Some nights you figure them out and it feels like you could catch them all day long and then they just stop on you for some reason. This time of year most of the fish are caught on shakeyheads, finesse jigs or football jigs, or 10" worms. Normally flipping the water willow along the bank is effective but it's been so dry that most of it is on the bank. Waters really clear and it's pretty deep and almost all rock with a few laydowns that never hold fish for some reason. Pretty good mix of largemouth and smallmouth on most nights but largemouth have to be 15" while smallmouth have to be 18". I've caught 2 keepers out of there, neither during a tournament but they had that 5.62lb smallmouth weighed in this spring that set the new lake record. I haven't fished it much this year so I can't honestly say I know what they're biting now. They're almost always schooling on the surface somewhere and eating super spook Jrs but rarely will you get one over 15 doing that. Shakyhead with a some variation of green pumpkin or watermelon is usually best. I think I have quite a bit of info on the Wyandotte County Lake thread also.
Hi Salenity reply :
Thanks
Chris S reply :
Went to Lacygne Friday slow bite with front that moved in but on the upside I saved $100 with the air off!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Peter and I hit Bone Creek again today. Same deal as last week, lots of fish but none even very close to the 18" mark. I had 34 by 11am, Peter was probably close to that number too as he went on tear a couple times on some of the isolated tree lines we hit where he caught fish several casts in a row. Decided to make the move to Lake Ft.Scott for a bigger fish. We got bigger fish but not many. One of my first flips I drop one of my jigs into a tree and got smacked after sinking about a foot. Fish was a solid 2.5 or 2 3/4 pounds but that still doesn't explain why my Rage rod broke when I boat flipped it Took it back to Cabela's and traded up to a 7' 6" LTB. Few fish on a jig, few on a crank, few on a spinnerbait, few on a shakeyhead but nothing bigger than 3 before we had to pack it in.
Chris S reply :
Two words....Fall Turnover
joefish reply :
On 8/14/2012 at 9:55 PM, Chris Schauer said:Two words....Fall Turnover
But . . . . . . it is only August . . . . .
Bluebasser86 reply :
we're a long ways off from turnover I believe, I hate turnover anyways. I'm ready for the water to get below 80 degrees though, the fish we were catching this morning felt hot in the cool air and had steam rising off them. On a positive note I'll be picking the Roughneck up from the shop tomorrow, it's been a long 3 weeks
Chris S reply :
On 8/15/2012 at 10:51 AM, joefish said:But . . . . . . it is only August . . . . .
Shhhhhhhh, dont tell mother nature that!!!
Chris S reply :
On 8/15/2012 at 11:46 AM, Bluebasser86 said:On a positive note I'll be picking the Roughneck up from the shop tomorrow, it's been a long 3 weeks
Its like missing a member of the family!!
AllDay reply :
Hey Blue, have you ever tried to fish largemouth at Milford and what are your thoughts on largemouth there? I'm hitting up Milford this Friday night (I'm a night guy). I fish Wyandotte often as I live 5 mins from that lake. I normally go for largemouths off the points and enjoy it. I see you enjoy Miami lake, it's a great one and there are largemouth o'plenty there. Never been to Hazel Creek lake but am willing to drive it if you say there's good largemouth there!On 7/24/2012 at 10:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Melvern is the closest place to KC with lots of good smallmouth. Milford, Wilson, and Glen Elder are all good options too if you're willing to drive further. Wyandotte is the only lake that is really close that has smallmouth. All of them have fish over 5lbs too.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/16/2012 at 12:38 PM, AllDay said:Hey Blue, have you ever tried to fish largemouth at Milford and what are your thoughts on largemouth there? I'm hitting up Milford this Friday night (I'm a night guy). I fish Wyandotte often as I live 5 mins from that lake. I normally go for largemouths off the points and enjoy it. I see you enjoy Miami lake, it's a great one and there are largemouth o'plenty there. Never been to Hazel Creek lake but am willing to drive it if you say there's good largemouth there!
I have fished for largemouth at Milford a little bit but never had a lot of success fishing for them. Plus I don't get to fish smallmouth a lot and that is the best smallmouth lake in the state in my opinion. I've mainly fished for them towards the north end in tournaments just because they're heavier than smallmouth. There are some nice largemouth in there but they are much more difficult to locate because of their low numbers. I've had my best luck flipping around timber and the few docks or cranking rock piers or points.
Hazel creek is a great lake and I really wish it was closer, there's some monsters in that lake. I posted on a trip that I took with my friend out there a couple months ago on the central forum. It's worth the drive without a doubt.
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/103436-hazel-creek-lake/
AllDay reply :
On 8/16/2012 at 1:05 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I have fished for largemouth at Milford a little bit but never had a lot of success fishing for them. Plus I don't get to fish smallmouth a lot and that is the best smallmouth lake in the state in my opinion. I've mainly fished for them towards the north end in tournaments just because they're heavier than smallmouth. There are some nice largemouth in there but they are much more difficult to locate because of their low numbers. I've had my best luck flipping around timber and the few docks or cranking rock piers or points.
Hazel creek is a great lake and I really wish it was closer, there's some monsters in that lake. I posted on a trip that I took with my friend out there a couple months ago on the central forum. It's worth the drive without a doubt.
http://www.bassresou...zel-creek-lake/
Wow this is impressive and you narrated the play-by-play like a champ! When you said there's monsters in there you weren't kidding! I'm definitely going to hit up Hazel Creek and will let you know how that shakes out when I go there. At Wyandotte, I catch smallies along the shallow weedbeds when going for LM. Do you think smallies at Milford will be found in shallow points or do you think they're deeper (8'-10'). I'm going to finesse it with 7"-12" shallow first and then I'll switch to cranks and jigs if it's not working. You mention the north end of Milford which is the shallowest area (deepest area is south end). My entry point will be opposite the thunderbird marina where there's a main lake point. From there I'll journey northbound. Have you fished the middle much (like the main lake point across the marina)?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 4:18 AM, AllDay said:Wow this is impressive and you narrated the play-by-play like a champ! When you said there's monsters in there you weren't kidding! I'm definitely going to hit up Hazel Creek and will let you know how that shakes out when I go there. At Wyandotte, I catch smallies along the shallow weedbeds when going for LM. Do you think smallies at Milford will be found in shallow points or do you think they're deeper (8'-10'). I'm going to finesse it with 7"-12" shallow first and then I'll switch to cranks and jigs if it's not working. You mention the north end of Milford which is the shallowest area (deepest area is south end). My entry point will be opposite the thunderbird marina where there's a main lake point. From there I'll journey northbound. Have you fished the middle much (like the main lake point across the marina)?
If you go to Hazel creek send me a PM and I'll tell you what I know and try to help you the best I can.
I catch most of my smallmouth at Wyco on shakyheads or topwater and a bunch on jerkbaits in the spring. There's some really big ones in there, it's just a matter of getting them to bite.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's some good smallmouth up shallow at Milford. I caught a 4 pounder there last year when it was pretty hot out in about 4' of water off the dam. From Thunderbird it's basically a decision of if you want to target smallies or largemouth. Turn right you're after largemouth, left it's smallmouth. I've caught them both all over the lake but that just seems where I catch most of both of them. The point to the north in the cove that the marina is in is usually a good spot for wipers but never done much for smallmouth. I've actually caught some of my best largemouth around the marina and in the scattered brushpiles in the marina cove, at least towards the south end of the lake. The State Park marina cove is usually really good for smallmouths and I've caught some solid keeper largemouth up to 18" out of there also. Seems I catch most of my largemouth on jigs or cranks and most of my smallmouth on shakyheads and soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater. If you can get an overcast day out there you can have a blast fishing a spinnerbait or trap.
I've caught 2 5 pound smallmouth and 1 4 pound smallmouth from Milford. 1 5 on a jerkbait off the boatramp in the state park marina cove, 1 5 on a trick worm and shakyhead in the furthest south corner of the dam that you're allowed to take a boat, the 4 was on a 3" Gulp minnow on a 1/8 jighead swimming it in the middle of the dam. This spring I lost a 4-4.5 pound smallmouth off a lone stump on a spinnerbait on a big mud flat on one of the first main lake points on the south side near the dam. If I could figure out how to draw on this google map images I'd mark the places I'm talking about so it wasn't quite so vague.
This was the best I could do with a map. The spots I marked are mostly smallmouth spots but I've also caught largemouth and spots at several of them. I didn't mark the dam, figured it's a pretty obvious spot for smallmouth.
http://www.google.com/mapmaker?gw=10&ll=39.079291,-96.919928&spn=0.012893,0.016479&z=16&vpid=1345156029616&t=h&lyt=large_map&hyaw=313.18182601138545
AllDay reply :
I attached the plan of attack tomorrow. I use Google Earth for the image then Snagit grab the image and to create arrows and such. Since this is my first outting at Milford, I figure I've got to start somewhere. I may just fish the first north point as I head out of the marina. I was able to visualize the areas you were describing, thanks! Thanks for the offer for helping on Hazel, I'm certainly going to go there. The layout of Hazel looks like Wyandotte. You definitely describe a lot of your smallie successes from the southern part of the lake. Left for smallies, right for largemouth - got it!
pocd reply :
Hey guys...question?
I have a "member" of my website/blog from KCMO email me and ask for recommendations for a fishing guide. He mentioned that he "just bought his license" so that would at least suggest he is a 'beginner'...although I don't really know for sure. I assume he wants to fish MO...maybe someplace like Smithville?
Anyone know someone they can recommend. I've been gone from KC too long...so no longer have the contacts. Any help would be appreciated...
Thanks....
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 7:51 AM, pocd said:Hey guys...question?
I have a "member" of my website/blog from KCMO email me and ask for recommendations for a fishing guide. He mentioned that he "just bought his license" so that would at least suggest he is a 'beginner'...although I don't really know for sure. I assume he wants to fish MO...maybe someplace like Smithville?
Anyone know someone they can recommend. I've been gone from KC too long...so no longer have the contacts. Any help would be appreciated...
Thanks....
Don't know if he does Smithville but Clyde the Guide is a stand up guy that knows how to find fish with the best of them. I believe he provides all the gear and will even pick his clients up at their house. He guides on a lot of lakes in Northeastern and Central Kansas and will fish for about anything. Everyone I've ever know that fished with him said it was a great experience.
pocd reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 10:51 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Don't know if he does Smithville but Clyde the Guide is a stand up guy that knows how to find fish with the best of them. I believe he provides all the gear and will even pick his clients up at their house. He guides on a lot of lakes in Northeastern and Central Kansas and will fish for about anything. Everyone I've ever know that fished with him said it was a great experience.
Hey Bluebasser86...that's great...thanks for the info. You wouldn't happen to have a phone number would you? Does he have a web site where he can be reached?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 11:59 AM, pocd said:Hey Bluebasser86...that's great...thanks for the info. You wouldn't happen to have a phone number would you? Does he have a web site where he can be reached?
http://www.clydetheguide.com/
pocd reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 12:05 PM, Bluebasser86 said:http://www.clydetheguide.com/
Great...thanks a lot for you help...!
AllDay reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 5:44 AM, Bluebasser86 said:If you go to Hazel creek send me a PM and I'll tell you what I know and try to help you the best I can.
I catch most of my smallmouth at Wyco on shakyheads or topwater and a bunch on jerkbaits in the spring. There's some really big ones in there, it's just a matter of getting them to bite.
I wouldn't be surprised if there's some good smallmouth up shallow at Milford. I caught a 4 pounder there last year when it was pretty hot out in about 4' of water off the dam. From Thunderbird it's basically a decision of if you want to target smallies or largemouth. Turn right you're after largemouth, left it's smallmouth. I've caught them both all over the lake but that just seems where I catch most of both of them. The point to the north in the cove that the marina is in is usually a good spot for wipers but never done much for smallmouth. I've actually caught some of my best largemouth around the marina and in the scattered brushpiles in the marina cove, at least towards the south end of the lake. The State Park marina cove is usually really good for smallmouths and I've caught some solid keeper largemouth up to 18" out of there also. Seems I catch most of my largemouth on jigs or cranks and most of my smallmouth on shakyheads and soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater. If you can get an overcast day out there you can have a blast fishing a spinnerbait or trap.
I've caught 2 5 pound smallmouth and 1 4 pound smallmouth from Milford. 1 5 on a jerkbait off the boatramp in the state park marina cove, 1 5 on a trick worm and shakyhead in the furthest south corner of the dam that you're allowed to take a boat, the 4 was on a 3" Gulp minnow on a 1/8 jighead swimming it in the middle of the dam. This spring I lost a 4-4.5 pound smallmouth off a lone stump on a spinnerbait on a big mud flat on one of the first main lake points on the south side near the dam. If I could figure out how to draw on this google map images I'd mark the places I'm talking about so it wasn't quite so vague.
This was the best I could do with a map. The spots I marked are mostly smallmouth spots but I've also caught largemouth and spots at several of them. I didn't mark the dam, figured it's a pretty obvious spot for smallmouth.
http://www.google.co....18182601138545
Blue, I'm looking forward to this evening into the night at Milford. I'm going to ask a newbie-to-Milford lake question: Is Thunderbird marina = State Park marina? I notice you reference State Park marina cove and I want to ensure we're talking apples to apples. Thanks again for your advice!
AllDay reply :
http://www.google.com/mapmaker?gw=10&ll=39.164208,-94.778152&spn=0.014807,0.031972&z=15&vpid=1345220238158&t=h&lyt=large_map&hll=39.164574,-94.779019&hyaw=272.0630192742051On 8/17/2012 at 10:15 PM, AllDay said:Blue, I'm looking forward to this evening into the night at Milford. I'm going to ask a newbie-to-Milford lake question: Is Thunderbird marina = State Park marina? I notice you reference State Park marina cove and I want to ensure we're talking apples to apples. Thanks again for your advice!
I attached a link of the areas (the NE point) I hit up at Wyandotte lake (Google Mapmaker is cool!). All of July at night (8PM till Midnight) despite the daytime temps being > 100'F, I always caught LM bass and never got shut out. The best color is black, blue, or junebug and the most effective plastics are 5"-7" ribbon tails. Wacky worms have also worked. About Milford, I've reviewed your google map route and compared that to the lake's depth topography and I will fish the routes you recommended b/c the routes are on the deepest end of the lake.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/17/2012 at 10:15 PM, AllDay said:Blue, I'm looking forward to this evening into the night at Milford. I'm going to ask a newbie-to-Milford lake question: Is Thunderbird marina = State Park marina? I notice you reference State Park marina cove and I want to ensure we're talking apples to apples. Thanks again for your advice!
The state park marina is the last ramp on the north side by the dam. Thunderbird is the next to last ramp on the north side of the lake going towards the dam. Thunderbird is in the state park I guess but the other ramp in the state park doesn't have a name I don't think.
AllDay reply :
On 8/18/2012 at 1:52 AM, Bluebasser86 said:The state park marina is the last ramp on the north side by the dam. Thunderbird is the next to last ramp on the north side of the lake going towards the dam. Thunderbird is in the state park I guess but the other ramp in the state park doesn't have a name I don't think.
It was a tale of two halves (like in sports): at 7:30 PM at launch time from the southwestern boat ramp (see attached) where I changed the plan to launch from the south end of the lake instead of the marina. I noted the point where it was just explosive - bites on every other cast if not every cast on a crawdad (yellow/red) crankbait. I even hauled in two catfish in a row (off cranks!). But when the sun set, it was a totally different story: bites crawled to a near-hault. I'm wondering if smallmouth aren't the night biters like their largemouth cousins? With largemouth, I can hit them all night and have and I was hoping for the same with smallies but not this time. I'm seriously considering going to Hazel Creek next weekend. I have the topographic map of it and will study it. I have to run for now but I can send it to you later (not like you need it, you've boated the lunkers out of there already!).
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/18/2012 at 10:33 PM, AllDay said:It was a tale of two halves (like in sports): at 7:30 PM at launch time from the southwestern boat ramp (see attached) where I changed the plan to launch from the south end of the lake instead of the marina. I noted the point where it was just explosive - bites on every other cast if not every cast on a crawdad (yellow/red) crankbait. I even hauled in two catfish in a row (off cranks!). But when the sun set, it was a totally different story: bites crawled to a near-hault. I'm wondering if smallmouth aren't the night biters like their largemouth cousins? With largemouth, I can hit them all night and have and I was hoping for the same with smallies but not this time. I'm seriously considering going to Hazel Creek next weekend. I have the topographic map of it and will study it. I have to run for now but I can send it to you later (not like you need it, you've boated the lunkers out of there already!).
Never have done much good night fishing for smallmouth. I've tried at Melvern too and caught nothing but flatheads until it got light out. I've caught a couple at Wyco on spinnerbaits and shakyheads with finesse worms but not near the numbers I catch if I'm after largemouth. I know they bite at night though, some guides are pretty successful fishing for smallmouth at night.
kylek reply :
Anyone have any luck at Pony Express Lake in Cameron, MO? We went out today and only caught 2 fish. One on a buzzbait and one on a frog in a little cove with some lily pads. This lake has our number.. We can never seem to develop any type of pattern.
Anyone have any info on this lake? I would appreciate any that you all can give out.
Thanks
Kyle
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:13 PM, kylek said:Anyone have any luck at Pony Express Lake in Cameron, MO? We went out today and only caught 2 fish. One on a buzzbait and one on a frog in a little cove with some lily pads. This lake has our number.. We can never seem to develop any type of pattern.
Anyone have any info on this lake? I would appreciate any that you all can give out.
Thanks
Kyle
Anyone I've ever talked to says it's good for catfish and that's about it but I've never fished it myself.
kylek reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone I've ever talked to says it's good for catfish and that's about it but I've never fished it myself.
It's a tough one that is for sure. They had a tourney out there 3 weeks ago, I think, and it took 17lbs to win. I have no clue where or what they were using and they sure weren't telling!!!!!
I noticed your favorite lake for smallies is Milford. Whats the best time of year to catch a mess of them? It looks like it is about 2.5 hrs from my house, but would be well worth it to hook into a few.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:22 PM, kylek said:It's a tough one that is for sure. They had a tourney out there 3 weeks ago, I think, and it took 17lbs to win. I have no clue where or what they were using and they sure weren't telling!!!!!
I noticed your favorite lake for smallies is Milford. Whats the best time of year to catch a mess of them? It looks like it is about 2.5 hrs from my house, but would be well worth it to hook into a few.
Be faster to drive to Melvern from where you're at, probably an hour closer than Milford is. Either lake mid April-early June and then late August-until the water drops below 45 are good times to be at either lake. Milford is my favorite of the two but I fish Melvern more because it takes an hour instead of 2 hours to get there.
kylek reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:39 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Be faster to drive to Melvern from where you're at, probably an hour closer than Milford is. Either lake mid April-early June and then late August-until the water drops below 45 are good times to be at either lake. Milford is my favorite of the two but I fish Melvern more because it takes an hour instead of 2 hours to get there.
Thanks!! I will have to get there soon and try it out. I have only caught 2 smallies before at Coffey County but they were just a fluke... We were fishing for whites when I caught them. Would love to get a few more under my belt as well as getting my father in law on the board.
What would you recommend this time of year to catch them?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:43 PM, kylek said:Thanks!! I will have to get there soon and try it out. I have only caught 2 smallies before at Coffey County but they were just a fluke... We were fishing for whites when I caught them. Would love to get a few more under my belt as well as getting my father in law on the board.
What would you recommend this time of year to catch them?
Depends on the time of year but if you get a 3" Berkley powerminnow and put it on a 1/8oz jighead and cast it to the dam or flat, rocky points and just reel it fast enough to keep it off the bottom you'll catch lots of them. Probably the biggest smallmouth I've ever hooked ate that exact combo off the dam at Melvern and promptly jumped and spit my bait right back at me. I'm guessing she was in the 6lb range, maybe bigger. I did catch a 4 pound smallie on that rig at Milford off the dam too, along with every other fish that swims in both those lakes. Shakyheads, cranks, spooks, spinnerbaits, traps, jigs, and jerkbaits in the spring and fall are all good baits. The smallmouth in my avatar ate a tiny Lucky Craft CB zero in American shad color on a flat point in about a foot of water last fall at Melvern.
kylek reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 1:54 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Depends on the time of year but if you get a 3" Berkley powerminnow and put it on a 1/8oz jighead and cast it to the dam or flat, rocky points and just reel it fast enough to keep it off the bottom you'll catch lots of them. Probably the biggest smallmouth I've ever hooked ate that exact combo off the dam at Melvern and promptly jumped and spit my bait right back at me. I'm guessing she was in the 6lb range, maybe bigger. I did catch a 4 pound smallie on that rig at Milford off the dam too, along with every other fish that swims in both those lakes. Shakyheads, cranks, spooks, spinnerbaits, traps, jigs, and jerkbaits in the spring and fall are all good baits. The smallmouth in my avatar ate a tiny Lucky Craft CB zero in American shad color on a flat point in about a foot of water last fall at Melvern.
Thank you!!! I am sure I will be planning something soon!!!! Hope I have a good story to post about when we get finished!!!!
AllDay reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 6:57 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Never have done much good night fishing for smallmouth. I've tried at Melvern too and caught nothing but flatheads until it got light out. I've caught a couple at Wyco on spinnerbaits and shakyheads with finesse worms but not near the numbers I catch if I'm after largemouth. I know they bite at night though, some guides are pretty successful fishing for smallmouth at night.
Although it's too bad that smallmouths aren't expected to be hearty nighttime eaters like their largemouth counterparts, there's consolation in knowing you tried for nightime smallies too and had challenges. For me then I'll continue pursuing the nighttime largemouths, I love doing that. I attached a pic of my nighttime adventures over the July 4th weekend at Miami. That lake rocks. During the day I prefer 7"-12" green pumpkin ribbon tail worms; at night it's black, black/blue fleck or junebug colors. The key for me is casting right on the bank, they eat it up.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Anyone want to fish Wyco for a few hours Tuesday morning? I don't get off work until 8am so it would probably be around 9 when I got out there and I'm only going to fish for a few hours so I can get a little sleep that afternoon.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 8/20/2012 at 11:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone want to fish Wyco for a few hours Tuesday morning? I don't get off work until 8am so it would probably be around 9 when I got out there and I'm only going to fish for a few hours so I can get a little sleep that afternoon.
I could use some pointers on that lake, I'd go.
AllDay reply :
On 8/20/2012 at 11:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone want to fish Wyco for a few hours Tuesday morning? I don't get off work until 8am so it would probably be around 9 when I got out there and I'm only going to fish for a few hours so I can get a little sleep that afternoon.
Blue,
I gather you work nights and I'd definitely go if I could, however, I work days and the only times I can fish mornings or evenings/nights are on weekends. In fact, I have yet to fish mornings at Wyco b/c I always fish nights - speaking of which I went last night and tried out for the first time my video camera sunglasses. I boated a largemouth in the hour I spent over the waters. I'll try to post it today or so if I can get a moment to upload to YouTube! I have a Pelican Predator two-man bass boat and she gets her done (55 lbs thrust Traxxis trolling motor and 2.5 HP Mercury outboard motor). This Saturday early morning I'm very much considering going to Hazel Creek b/c your pics of what you landed at Hazel just got me fired up! Are you working Fri night/Sat morning?
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
Hi all,
I just read some of the posts on this string and find it refreshing to finally find a forum that is active with people that are willing to share information.
I'm new to the board, and have just gotten back into fishing after a nearly 25 year hiatus. I'm 39 and started to miss the days I had on the lake with my dad. I typically fish the Lake of the Ozarks, but this fall and winter I'll likely fish lakes more local to the Overland Park area.
I just bought a boat (Tracker Targa) and I'm looking forward to making some new fishing buddies and learning some new tricks.
Thanks,
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/20/2012 at 9:59 PM, AllDay said:Blue,
I gather you work nights and I'd definitely go if I could, however, I work days and the only times I can fish mornings or evenings/nights are on weekends. In fact, I have yet to fish mornings at Wyco b/c I always fish nights - speaking of which I went last night and tried out for the first time my video camera sunglasses. I boated a largemouth in the hour I spent over the waters. I'll try to post it today or so if I can get a moment to upload to YouTube! I have a Pelican Predator two-man bass boat and she gets her done (55 lbs thrust Traxxis trolling motor and 2.5 HP Mercury outboard motor). This Saturday early morning I'm very much considering going to Hazel Creek b/c your pics of what you landed at Hazel just got me fired up! Are you working Fri night/Sat morning?
Yes, I work midnight shift from midnight-8am Thursday night at midnight-Tuesday morning at 8am. Makes finding people to go with me difficult but it's so nice at the same time because there's far fewer people on the water during the week.
On 8/21/2012 at 9:58 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:Hi all,
I just read some of the posts on this string and find it refreshing to finally find a forum that is active with people that are willing to share information.
I'm new to the board, and have just gotten back into fishing after a nearly 25 year hiatus. I'm 39 and started to miss the days I had on the lake with my dad. I typically fish the Lake of the Ozarks, but this fall and winter I'll likely fish lakes more local to the Overland Park area.
I just bought a boat (Tracker Targa) and I'm looking forward to making some new fishing buddies and learning some new tricks.
Thanks,
Welcome to the forum! This is a great forum and this particular thread is one of the best area specific threads I've ever read. There's a great group of guys on here that are more than willing to share what we've found to be working and where. I think most of us are just about as excited to see someone else on this thread catch a good fish as we are when we get a good one ourselves.
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
This might be more appropriate for a private message, but I figured I'd post it here and if I'm off base, just whip me with a wet noodle, and then I'll start to figure out the community etiquiet (sp?)
Allday - is that a channel cat in your picture? That looks like a catch of a lifetime channel! Congrats!
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
On 8/20/2012 at 11:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Anyone want to fish Wyco for a few hours Tuesday morning? I don't get off work until 8am so it would probably be around 9 when I got out there and I'm only going to fish for a few hours so I can get a little sleep that afternoon.
I'm typically free in the mornings....and would really like to learn from a few locals, next time you go out and are looking for a fishing buddy please let me know.
Chris S reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 7:25 PM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:I'm typically free in the mornings....and would really like to learn from a few locals, next time you go out and are looking for a fishing buddy please let me know.
Like Clayton said welcome to the board. I agree 100% we all share our info and will help out when we can. I am also in the OP and always looking for some one to share gas costs with. I fish Lacygne as a few others do during the winter, even if its 25 outside, as long as the winds not blowing 10+ . I also chase Walleye, White Bass and Crappie on Hillsdale. Where are you at in OP?
AllDay reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 7:23 PM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:This might be more appropriate for a private message, but I figured I'd post it here and if I'm off base, just whip me with a wet noodle, and then I'll start to figure out the community etiquiet (sp?)
Allday - is that a channel cat in your picture? That looks like a catch of a lifetime channel! Congrats!
Hi Jim,
It's a bluecat actually, boated from Lake Viking, MO (private lake). I caught him off a square billed white shad crankbait just 2' off a retaining wall near the shore. No sooner than it hit the water did I hear a splash as if I did a belly flop in the pool; saw nothing but a big fin splash the water! Took me 25 minutes to land him b/c I was using a light action rod and 8# line. I released him too - I'll wait for him to gain another 10 lbs and we'll rendevous again
AllDay reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 4:07 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes, I work midnight shift from midnight-8am Thursday night at midnight-Tuesday morning at 8am. Makes finding people to go with me difficult but it's so nice at the same time because there's far fewer people on the water during the week.
Welcome to the forum! This is a great forum and this particular thread is one of the best area specific threads I've ever read. There's a great group of guys on here that are more than willing to share what we've found to be working and where. I think most of us are just about as excited to see someone else on this thread catch a good fish as we are when we get a good one ourselves.
Welcome Jim, yes this thread, to echo Chris' statements, is loaded with with suggestions - when you give advice on your successes, what comes around goes around, and one day you'll need advice too. Since you're in the OP area, you're somewhat close to Miami Lake and I recommend that as both a starter lake (from hiatus) and a return-trip lake. There are good bass there to rekindle the fire.
AllDay reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 11:45 PM, Chris Schauer said:Like Clayton said welcome to the board. I agree 100% we all share our info and will help out when we can. I am also in the OP and always looking for some one to share gas costs with. I fish Lacygne as a few others do during the winter, even if its 25 outside, as long as the winds not blowing 10+
Chris,
I fished Lacygne at night in July (launched from the northern-most boat ramp from the creek) and was able to land just a 3# LM bass. I motored south to the main lake and OMG per my Humminbird the water was 100'F !!!!!! I think I'll need some pointers on Lacyne b/c I know it holds big LM bass, I'm just not familiar with that lake and where those lunkers are hanging out at. I believe Lacyne still holds the state record for LM bass if I'm not mistaken. In general, the threads I read about Lacygne paint a love-hate relationship with that lake. At this point I don't even know if the bass are holding in the windy northern creek or are they closer to the main lake or the mouth of the creek. N-S-E-W direction, who knows!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 1:20 AM, AllDay said:Chris,
I fished Lacygne at night in July (launched from the northern-most boat ramp from the creek) and was able to land just a 3# LM bass. I motored south to the main lake and OMG per my Humminbird the water was 100'F !!!!!! I think I'll need some pointers on Lacyne b/c I know it holds big LM bass, I'm just not familiar with that lake and where those lunkers are hanging out at. I believe Lacyne still holds the state record for LM bass if I'm not mistaken. In general, the threads I read about Lacygne paint a love-hate relationship with that lake. At this point I don't even know if the bass are holding in the windy northern creek or are they closer to the main lake or the mouth of the creek. N-S-E-W direction, who knows!
La Cygne is all but impossible at times. I usually stay away from it during the summer because the water gets so hot. It's great to be able to fish soft water during the winter time though. I'm like Chris, as long as it isn't windy and it gets to about the mid 20's I'll be out there chasing them. The current state record is actually from a private strip pit in Scammon but La Cygne does give up a 10 pounder or two almost every year.
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
On 8/21/2012 at 11:45 PM, Chris Schauer said:Like Clayton said welcome to the board. I agree 100% we all share our info and will help out when we can. I am also in the OP and always looking for some one to share gas costs with. I fish Lacygne as a few others do during the winter, even if its 25 outside, as long as the winds not blowing 10+
I'm in Southern Overland Park off of 159th street....some of my friends say I'm actually in Northern Oklahoma!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 8:57 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:I'm in Southern Overland Park off of 159th street....some of my friends say I'm actually in Northern Oklahoma!
Not even close, if you were in northern Oklahoma you'd actually be close to some good bass fishing
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
I'm pretty excited about today....
I'm picking up my new toy and am going to give it a sea trial for a few hours. Tracker Targa V18 WT. It's not a Triton, but its a fishing boat!
The only issue is I have 1 small tackle box and 1 rod and reel with me....the rest are at the Ozarks.
This should be a comedy watching me at the boat ramp...since I have no experience with a trailor.
AllDay reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 9:03 PM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:I'm pretty excited about today....
I'm picking up my new toy and am going to give it a sea trial for a few hours. Tracker Targa V18 WT. It's not a Triton, but its a fishing boat!
The only issue is I have 1 small tackle box and 1 rod and reel with me....the rest are at the Ozarks.
This should be a comedy watching me at the boat ramp...since I have no experience with a trailor.
Have fun and I assume you'll be registering your boat and trailer? I was in the same boat (no pun intended) when I picked up my vessel at which time I realized I had to do all the administrative stuff like registering the trailer, boat, and motor before I can use it. Wyco lake requires state registration before you can get another special boat permit from them to boat at Wyco (fyi).
AllDay reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 4:44 AM, Bluebasser86 said:La Cygne is all but impossible at times. I usually stay away from it during the summer because the water gets so hot. It's great to be able to fish soft water during the winter time though. I'm like Chris, as long as it isn't windy and it gets to about the mid 20's I'll be out there chasing them. The current state record is actually from a private strip pit in Scammon but La Cygne does give up a 10 pounder or two almost every year.
Perhaps when it really cools off (interesting, mid 20's you'll go) we can hit up La Cygne a time or two!
Chris S reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 9:03 PM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:I'm pretty excited about today....
I'm picking up my new toy and am going to give it a sea trial for a few hours. Tracker Targa V18 WT. It's not a Triton, but its a fishing boat!
The only issue is I have 1 small tackle box and 1 rod and reel with me....the rest are at the Ozarks.
This should be a comedy watching me at the boat ramp...since I have no experience with a trailor.
My advice get some cones and pratice in a large parking lot first!
Congrats on the new Toy! at 159th your half way to Lacygne already!
Chris S reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 9:19 PM, AllDay said:Perhaps when it really cools off (interesting, mid 20's you'll go) we can hit up La Cygne a time or two!
Just dress like your going snow sking and your all good!!
Like Clayton said Lacygne in the summer IMO is a waste of time, you can fish it but with the water levels like they are I am not running up the creek, once that main Lake temp drops into the 60's its game on!
kylek reply :
Which heated lake is better to fish.. Coffey County or Lacygne? I have only been to Coffey County a couple of times and never to Lacygne.
AllDay reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 10:44 PM, Chris Schauer said:Just dress like your going snow sking and your all good!!
Like Clayton said Lacygne in the summer IMO is a waste of time, you can fish it but with the water levels like they are I am not running up the creek, once that main Lake temp drops into the 60's its game on!
So I take it La Cygne "wakes up" with bass biting when the water cools? Hey I'm all for it if that's the case. Mid-20's doesn't bother me; it does if nothing's biting. When that time gets closer, I'm game for La Cygne on Fri night or Sat day/night if anyone wants to go. This Fri and Sat I'm weekend-warrioring by fishing Hazel Creek and credit goes to Blue for his recommendations where to fish - I know they'll yield bass!!! Stay tuned!
Chris S reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 11:35 PM, kylek said:Which heated lake is better to fish.. Coffey County or Lacygne? I have only been to Coffey County a couple of times and never to Lacygne.
Lacygne IMO, I meant Coffey
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 9:18 PM, AllDay said:Have fun and I assume you'll be registering your boat and trailer? I was in the same boat (no pun intended) when I picked up my vessel at which time I realized I had to do all the administrative stuff like registering the trailer, boat, and motor before I can use it. Wyco lake requires state registration before you can get another special boat permit from them to boat at Wyco (fyi).
I ended up taking the boat to Longview, and the people at the marina went ahead and sold me a pass even without complete registration. They just asked me to come back in and give them all of the info once the boat is registered. They did look at all of the titles and my license to insure I was who I said I was.
It was VERY nice of them to let me go ahead and get on the lake.
Everything went great....
I was able to get the boat down the ramp in my first shot, despite my very limited trailer experience! I was also able to get the boat retrailored without any issues.
The boat ran perfectly. It has the new Merc 150 4 stroke and it is extremely smooth and quiet. I was very impressed. Everything worked as intended.
My buddy and I didn't have our fishing gear with us, however we marked HUGE schools of baitfish with what looked like a complete feeding frenzy. There were smaller pods of bait fish surrounding the main school with what looked like bass nailing them from the top and blue cats picking up the injured from the bottom. This was all in front of the dam, at the sides of the main channel with fish from 15-28 feet in 50-60 feet of water. MAN I wish I had my cast net and some gear!
Does anyone have experience fishing Longview?
Chris S reply :
On 8/23/2012 at 4:07 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:Everything went great....
The boat ran perfectly. It has the new Merc 150 4 stroke and it is extremely smooth and quiet. I was very impressed. Everything worked as intended.
Did you go over the break in period in the owners manual? I have a 2010 LOWE FM165 with a four stroke EFI Merc and I could no take it over 3500 RPMS for the first hour of use and could only go WOT for 60 seconds for an hour after that, you need to make sure you seat the valves/piston rings properly during the break in period. Just an FYI the computer system on the new Mercs was designed by Porsche
Glad everything went smooth just wanted to give ya a little heads up on breaking in a new motor!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/22/2012 at 11:35 PM, kylek said:Which heated lake is better to fish.. Coffey County or Lacygne? I have only been to Coffey County a couple of times and never to Lacygne.
Depends what you're fishing for. La Cygne is better for Largemouth and big wipers, Coffey is better for everything else. If you like crappie coffey has some of the biggest ones you'll see in Kansas. They're strict on limits though, you can have 2 crappie a day and they have to be over 14 inches! I caught 7 keepers out there one day last winter though.
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
On 8/23/2012 at 4:59 AM, Chris Schauer said:Did you go over the break in period in the owners manual? I have a 2010 LOWE FM165 with a four stroke EFI Merc and I could no take it over 3500 RPMS for the first hour of use and could only go WOT for 60 seconds for an hour after that, you need to make sure you seat the valves/piston rings properly during the break in period. Just an FYI the computer system on the new Mercs was designed by Porsche
Glad everything went smooth just wanted to give ya a little heads up on breaking in a new motor!!
I read over the manual for the Merc 150 4 stroke, and it indicated that for the first 2 hours of use to vary the throttle, and every 10 minutes to push it to full throttle for 1 minute, then another 10 minutes of variable RPMs....
The next 8 hours it says not be at full throttle for more than 5 minutes.
retro basser reply :
On 8/19/2012 at 4:06 PM, kylek said:Thank you!!! I am sure I will be planning something soon!!!! Hope I have a good story to post about when we get finished!!!!
Can't wait to hear it too... good stuff.
On 8/17/2012 at 6:34 AM, AllDay said:
I attached the plan of attack tomorrow. I use Google Earth for the image then Snagit grab the image and to create arrows and such. Since this is my first outting at Milford, I figure I've got to start somewhere. I may just fish the first north point as I head out of the marina. I was able to visualize the areas you were describing, thanks! Thanks for the offer for helping on Hazel, I'm certainly going to go there. The layout of Hazel looks like Wyandotte. You definitely describe a lot of your smallie successes from the southern part of the lake. Left for smallies, right for largemouth - got it!
That's an ambitious attack plan! Managing time on the water is probably the most important component of fishing though, i'm gonna check out that google mapper in a minute and see if i can use it for a post.
On 8/23/2012 at 8:50 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:I read over the manual for the Merc 150 4 stroke, and it indicated that for the first 2 hours of use to vary the throttle, and every 10 minutes to push it to full throttle for 1 minute, then another 10 minutes of variable RPMs....
The next 8 hours it says not be at full throttle for more than 5 minutes
I've never heard of an engine that doesnt like an oilchange after first redline... If you ever want to head out to perry during a weekday let me know and I could show you a couple spots...
retro basser reply :
I got one shot to get on the water last week but it was 12-5 basically. Went to Perry couldnt buy a bite in the regular places so I went exploring since the wind was a 5mph nothing...
Only got a couple bass couple drums. I did catch a 3lber which made the trip worthwhile but overall it was worse than normal mainly cause that's just a horrible time of day to be out there. At five the action started really picking up but it was just timid bites instead of nothing.
The 8in chub largemouth that I caught was as fat as i've ever seen at that age... seriously lucky young fish
Anyways, this area seemed to really be holding them, mid summer and all...
AllDay reply :
On 8/23/2012 at 12:38 PM, retro basser said:I got one shot to get on the water last week but it was 12-5 basically. Went to Perry couldnt buy a bite in the regular places so I went exploring since the wind was a 5mph nothing...
Only got a couple bass couple drums. I did catch a 3lber which made the trip worthwhile but overall it was worse than normal mainly cause that's just a horrible time of day to be out there. At five the action started really picking up but it was just timid bites instead of nothing.
The 8in chub largemouth that I caught was as fat as i've ever seen at that age... seriously lucky young fish
Anyways, this area seemed to really be holding them, mid summer and all...
I've considered hitting up Perry but reports of those infectious zebra mussels are turning me away! Thanks for the diagram though.
joefish reply :
On 8/24/2012 at 8:57 AM, AllDay said:I've considered hitting up Perry but reports of those infectious zebra mussels are turning me away! Thanks for the diagram though.
Zebra mussels really are not a big deal if you just float your boat for a day of fishing. Just be sure to wash it in hot water and put a little bleach in the bilge area. biggest problem is frayed line that breaks easily. 
You need to use braid or at least abraisant resistant line. They are in several lakes in Kansas and will probably eventually spread to most of them. Milford ( I believe you posted you were herre last week) and Melvern in our area have them as well.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Peter and I got to Belcher Branch around 5am Wednesday to give that lake a try. Nice little lake with lots of weeds and standing timber. It was a little slow until it got light enough to see what we were doing, then we got on them pretty good with a buzzbait and frog. I got a good fish on the buzzbait at 19 inches and 3.34lbs.
Caught them pretty good until the sun got up higher, then they shut down almost completely. After catching maybe 5 in 2 hours we tossed the boat back on the trailer and crossed over state lines to try Warnock Lake in Atchison. I hadn't fished it in a few years but it used to have good numbers of solid fish. The bright green water and stink from the local hog farms didn't inspire much confidence but we were quickly catching fish, although they were much smaller than I remembered they were very healthy and scrappy. It's only about 30 acres so it didn't take long to make a lap and we did good enough to go around a second time. I picked up a crankbait for the first time and got smacked while I was pulling through a brushpile on the dam and landed a very fat 18" fish that went 3.9lbs.
After getting that one I was inspired to try for a bigger fish so I put a 10" black and blue worm on and started pitching it into the numerous brushpiles. Towards the other end of the lake I stuck a good fish on the worm. Almost 19" long and 3.8lbs.
That was it on the bigger fish but I had a fish that felt really solid come off on one of my homemade jigs right before we left. She was big enough to make a big boil on the surface despite being 2 feet down in a brushpile that I couldn't get her out of. It was nice to get more than one good one for the first time in a long while!
Chris S reply :
You my boy Blue!!! Good work as always!!!
Quick question: Anyone ever fish Lewis and Clarke or Bean Lakes up that way? I was out wondering around Sunday and passed those on 45, which by the way is freshly paved all the way to 435!!
AllDay reply :
Yes indeed, great work Blue, blazing that trail again! I'm up to bat tonight on the MO side so I'll try to follow suite on the catches!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/24/2012 at 10:12 PM, Chris Schauer said:You my boy Blue!!! Good work as always!!!
Quick question: Anyone ever fish Lewis and Clarke or Bean Lakes up that way? I was out wondering around Sunday and passed those on 45, which by the way is freshly paved all the way to 435!!
I noticed them on the map as I was looking for a plan B in case Belcher Branch didn't pan out the other day. After doing some research they appear to be oxbow lakes that are pretty shallow. Lewis and Clark looked like it had promise from what I could see on Google Maps but everything I could find only talked about catching catfish, carp, and crappie. I probably should have at least drove by it and took a look at it in person while I was up there. I know it has quite a few docks and looked like it had quite a bit of weeds in it.
joefish reply :
Planning on going to Miami County Fishing lake Monday. Never been there before, I know several of you have fished there recently, anybody want to give me some suggestions as to where and what?
Planning to go early morning, anybody off work and want to go along? If you don't mind fishing with an old retired guy! Send me a Personal message with phone number and I'll call you.
Hi Salenity reply :
Stay home!
joefish reply :
On 8/26/2012 at 10:25 AM, Hi Salenity said:Stay home!
Why is that? I thought Miami was a pretty good bass lake?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/26/2012 at 11:04 AM, joefish said:Why is that? I thought Miami was a pretty good bass lake?
It is, in the spring and fall, especially April-early June. Right now it seems if you go you'll be working really hard for 10, maybe 20 fish if you really figure them out, and they'll probably all be smaller than average sized fish for that lake. I know lots of guys that have been down there the last month, myself included. Nobody has caught more than 16 fish in an outing and with the exception of the 4.73 pounder I caught last trip down there not a single one would have been an 18" keeper.
If it were me I'd be headed to one of the Pleasanton city lakes, maybe both, or Bourban State Lake. I'd go with you but my work schedule changed so now I'm working Mondays.
Ku Xiong reply :
My buddy and I went down to Miami a couple Fridays ago from 4:30pm until them skeetos ran us off. We only managed 12. Most of the ones we caught were skinny and smaller than the usual spring bass out there. It was very tough. Tons of shad on that body of water. They seem to be more interested in the real thing. Lots of surface activity, but not very much catching. Good luck if you go!!
joefish reply :
OK, sounds like it is not worth the 50 mile ride to Miami at this time. Might just head over to Perry, if I can't fine LMB I can probably find some whites to play. Or Wyco has been fairly decent all summer. One thing for certain. . . . . . I am going Fishing !
Bluebasser86 reply :
Friend of mine just gave me a recent report from Perry:
We had a pretty good trip to Perry 10 days ago. 43 lm and 4 sm. We had 2 4.5 lb lm and 1 sm @ 17.5 inches. Also had 30 white bass. We fsihed for 3.5 hours on a hot windy day.
Sounds like Perry could be a pretty good time right now
AllDay reply :
Hazel Creek:
First off Blue, you foretold of using 15 lbs line for cranking and spinner baits; 20-25 lbs line for pitching. Boy you weren't kidding: some lessons are learned the hard way - I had 6-8 lbs line for all styles (finesse, cranking, spinner). Combine this fact with the submerged timbers in the coves, I was outgunned. The story unfolds as follows:
Here is the diagram labeled areas A-E for my weekend trip:
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=126ab0f6.jpg
Friday night I started after dusk at Area A where there's riprap and culverts. By nightfall, I used the Culprit Fat Max 7" ribbon tail worm (black) and there were several hits 1'-2' off the bank, boated 4 bass, 2 pictured here, between 13"-17":
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=8a6e3bfa.jpg
Making the turn to Area B, there are submerged timbers and water lilies, in this area, several more bites took and I landed another 17" LM:
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=c4097f1f.jpg.
After Area B, I headed northwest along the bank and wasn't able to land any bites. As I arrived at Area C, this timber-filled cove is where I got my first lesson of the night in tackle preparation. Pitching along the timber, I got thumped using Fax Max 7" june bug color and I my 6 lbs line didn’t have enough to muscle him out of the timber - it got ensnared and the line broke. It would prove to be a sign of things to come. I caught a couple of smaller bass about 13" in this cove
Heading southwest out of Area C and into Area D, my friends it's like in the movies: turning the corner off the bank I was met with the "gauntlet" of submerged timber. Blue you said it best: "The trees up there are nasty…". The timber wasn't just vertical - it was horizontal and diagonal and you'd better pay attention while trolling since numerous branches protrude horizontally just 1'-2' under the water surface! Some of this was due to lower water levels from the summer drought. By this time, I switched to my largest line (just 8 lbs) having learned that lesson from Area C. I played the hand I was dealt and my choices are 6 lbs or 8 lbs line.
8 lbs didn't seem to matter.
Once again, pitching along standing timber with a black & blue fleck Fat Max 7", I got nailed and how could the outcome be different than before: he took it and I couldn’t stop him from getting into another horizontal branch and breaking the line.
Heading into Area E I decided to throw a spinner and unintentionally landed my first crappie of the year:
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=f08e8dbf.jpg
I couple of other bites off the spinner and I decided to get some rest and wait for the sun to rise. The morning bite too was good and that's when I used crank baits. Little did I anticipate the drama that would unfold for crank baits. It's not rocket science here: 6-8 lbs line for this lake is ill-advised. You're not asking for trouble, you're asking for failure. You need to be in the 15+ lbs line range, otherwise you're just bringing a knife to a gunfight.
As the sun rose in Area E, I continued to get multiple hits and land smaller bass. However, the two crank baits shown below were each lost to larger fish - line snapped both times. Where they LM? Muskie? I'll never know. The yellow and black crank photo on the right was moments before I would lose it to a larger fish.
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=3e90d12b.jpg
Throwing cranks casting horizontally about 3'-5' off the bank was a winning strategy - there were some brush piles along the banks that gave strikes. The last crank bait I lost, a shiny silver with brown back stripe "pork chop", would be the 4th one lost and the last I would use for the trip b/c using more would just mean losing more. I lost the "pork chop" trolling along Area E in the middle of the cove. The "pork chop" was a deep diver: 10'-15'. Trolling along at about 3 mph, I had one large snap of the rod and no sooner did I realize a fish was on it, the line broke. Frustrating.
A silver lining for this trip was my first time use of the pumpkin head hook during the late morning hour:
http://s1073.photobucket.com/albums/w392/dweroha/Hazel%20Creek%20August%202012/?action=view¤t=de070d93.jpg
I very much liked the way the pumpkin head presents the worm (with its tail diagonally upward about 45-degrees). I casted horizontally about 3'-5' horizontally along the bank of Area E and it yielded small bass 13"-15".
Hazel Creek is definitely a great bass lake and if you can make the drive and fish for at least 2 days, it's worth it. By the way, it is equivalent to driving from Kansas City to Des Moines, IA. I chuckled when I saw the highway sign "Des Moines 108 miles" and on my GPS it showed Hazel Creek 103 miles.
For Labor Day weekend I have family and friends in town. On the docket is Miami lake Saturday evening and camping into the night then on Sunday evening we'll set up camp at Milford lake and Monday day fish all day in the southern part of the lake. I will not be doing the night bite fishing for smallies on Sunday but during the day Monday it will be the sequel to my first outing at Milford from a couple weeks back.
After this post I'll send you guys a link that ranks Perry as the #1 lake in KS for bass!!! Well, it's implied #1 b/c Perry is the first KS lake that shows up in the Top 100 bass lakes in the US. I'd like to understand some details of where to fish at Perry for LMB. If I have sufficient information, I may just change the plan to fish Perry on Saturday night instead of Miami!!
AllDay reply :
Definitely want your guys' opinion about this ranking:
http://www.bassmaster.com/news/100-best-bass-lakes
Perry lake is #60 on the Top 100! If you guys have tips or suggestion on where in Perry to hit up, I'm all ears!
Chris S reply :
Meat wagon report..sorry was running low had to re stock!!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 8/27/2012 at 7:13 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Friend of mine just gave me a recent report from Perry:
We had a pretty good trip to Perry 10 days ago. 43 lm and 4 sm. We had 2 4.5 lb lm and 1 sm @ 17.5 inches. Also had 30 white bass. We fsihed for 3.5 hours on a hot windy day.
Sounds like Perry could be a pretty good time right now
Going to be one H**L of a big bike rally their this weekend. I've NEVER seen so many naked pepole as I've seen at Perry Makes Sturgis look like a daycare! Also lot's of 1% bikers...
joefish reply :
On 8/27/2012 at 7:13 PM, Bluebasser86 said:We had a pretty good trip to Perry 10 days ago. 43 lm and 4 sm. We had 2 4.5 lb lm and 1 sm @ 17.5 inches. Also had 30 white bass. We fsihed for 3.5 hours on a hot windy day.
Sounds like Perry could be a pretty good time right now
Guess I should have gone to Perry.
On 8/28/2012 at 5:52 AM, Hi Salenity said:Going to be one H**L of a big bike rally their this weekend. I've NEVER seen so many naked pepole as I've seen at Perry Makes Sturgis look like a daycare! Also lot's of 1% bikers...
Maybe for more than one reason.
Chose Wyco for the outing today, Was a tough bite, managed to boat a few LMB, nothing of any size.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 1:27 AM, AllDay said:Definitely want your guys' opinion about this ranking:
http://www.bassmaste...best-bass-lakes
Perry lake is #60 on the Top 100! If you guys have tips or suggestion on where in Perry to hit up, I'm all ears!
For the most part that list is terrible. Once you get towards the upper end of it then it starts to make sense but Perry shouldn't even be on that list. It's a good lake for this area but when it's put up against lakes like Clinton, Hillsdale, Pomona, Tuttle Creek, and most other bigger bodies of water in Kansas it doesn't take much to look good. I do enjoy fishing Perry because it fishes to my strengths, shallow water power fishing. The marina at the south end and the area around Rock Creek Marina in the west arm are good areas to look. Right around the farthest north state park ramp is usually good. The one row of docks to the north of Rock Creek Marina is a must fish spot. The rip rap in Slough creek is also very good. I usually stick to dark colored plastics, a Zoom Baby Brush Hog being my favorite, usually in blackberry or blueberry color. A pit boss is another good bait and those fish really seem to have a taste for a pumpkin colored hula grub, t-rigged or on a jighead. I've also done well on spinnerbaits, traps, squarebills, and buzzbaits at different times but the soft plastics are the most consistent producer.
On 8/28/2012 at 5:52 AM, Hi Salenity said:Going to be one H**L of a big bike rally their this weekend. I've NEVER seen so many naked pepole as I've seen at Perry Makes Sturgis look like a daycare! Also lot's of 1% bikers...
I'll have to pass that info on. Chris was going to go fishing out there this weekend, might not be the best idea doesn't sound like.
AllDay reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 1:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said:For the most part that list is terrible. Once you get towards the upper end of it then it starts to make sense but Perry shouldn't even be on that list. It's a good lake for this area but when it's put up against lakes like Clinton, Hillsdale, Pomona, Tuttle Creek, and most other bigger bodies of water in Kansas it doesn't take much to look good. I do enjoy fishing Perry because it fishes to my strengths, shallow water power fishing. The marina at the south end and the area around Rock Creek Marina in the west arm are good areas to look. Right around the farthest north state park ramp is usually good. The one row of docks to the north of Rock Creek Marina is a must fish spot. The rip rap in Slough creek is also very good. I usually stick to dark colored plastics, a Zoom Baby Brush Hog being my favorite, usually in blackberry or blueberry color. A pit boss is another good bait and those fish really seem to have a taste for a pumpkin colored hula grub, t-rigged or on a jighead. I've also done well on spinnerbaits, traps, squarebills, and buzzbaits at different times but the soft plastics are the most consistent producer.
I'll have to pass that info on. Chris was going to go fishing out there this weekend, might not be the best idea doesn't sound like.
Do you think this Labor Day weekend it'll be filled with campers, fishers, and everything in between? Of course I plan to fish the evening/dusk/dawn and not the days so it's never busy in the middle of the night.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 8:34 PM, AllDay said:Do you think this Labor Day weekend it'll be filled with campers, fishers, and everything in between? Of course I plan to fish the evening/dusk/dawn and not the days so it's never busy in the middle of the night.
Yes, it will be packed with lots of people acting crazy and lots of them that should never be allowed to operate a boat. Don't be so sure about nobody being out at night out there either. I've seen ski boats running full speed in the dark with no lights on out there. It's usually like a miniature version of Lake of the Ozarks out there, only it's much small so the chaos is more concentrated. Despite all that I've done very well out there during Memorial and Labor day weekends both. Last time I was out there for Labor Day my wife and I caught hundreds of big white bass, literally until we got bored with catching 1-2 pound white bass. They had thousands of shad pushed into the marina by the dam and were just on a constant attack for 2 days straight, it was pretty crazy.
AllDay reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 8:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes, it will be packed with lots of people acting crazy and lots of them that should never be allowed to operate a boat. Don't be so sure about nobody being out at night out there either. I've seen ski boats running full speed in the dark with no lights on out there. It's usually like a miniature version of Lake of the Ozarks out there, only it's much small so the chaos is more concentrated. Despite all that I've done very well out there during Memorial and Labor day weekends both. Last time I was out there for Labor Day my wife and I caught hundreds of big white bass, literally until we got bored with catching 1-2 pound white bass. They had thousands of shad pushed into the marina by the dam and were just on a constant attack for 2 days straight, it was pretty crazy.
I laughed with your "...lots of them that should never be allowed to operate a boat". Actually that sort of thing would tick me off if the wrecklessness begins to impede on my fishing. It's been 15+ years since I've gone for white bass. I've caught them on 'swimming' crappie jigs and live minnows on bobbers. I dont know if they would bite on crankbaits like the ones I used at Hazel or on finesse plastics.
joefish reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 9:49 PM, AllDay said:I dont know if they would bite on crankbaits like the ones I used at Hazel or on finesse plastics.
They will hit cranks, top water, jigs, just about anything you can throw into the school that is churning the water.
Chris S reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 1:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I'll have to pass that info on. Chris was going to go fishing out there this weekend, might not be the best idea doesn't sound like.
Screw fishing i am going to see naked chicks!!!
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
In the past I have concentrated on fishing for blue catfish, so I'm a bit lost on where bass will go this fall.
I was out looking for bait for catfishing and I found some shad on points, and other schools moving back into coves. I am assuming the bass will just following the shad.
So the question is where should I be looking this fall? And what is the trigger for the movement? Water Temp? Sunlight?
hooah212002 reply :
On 8/29/2012 at 7:04 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:So the question is where should I be looking this fall? And what is the trigger for the movement? Water Temp? Sunlight?
You are correct on all accounts. A lot of people say the fall bite is nearly as good as the spring bite because they are fattening themselves up for winter. They will also be coming up shallow to follow the baitfish, then go back deep for the winter. As far as what the trigger is, presumably it is water temp. Although, sun light and day length may also play a role.
skunked_again reply :
On 8/27/2012 at 7:13 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Friend of mine just gave me a recent report from Perry:
We had a pretty good trip to Perry 10 days ago. 43 lm and 4 sm. We had 2 4.5 lb lm and 1 sm @ 17.5 inches. Also had 30 white bass. We fsihed for 3.5 hours on a hot windy day.
Sounds like Perry could be a pretty good time right now
Perry is on fire right now if you dont mind the wind.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/29/2012 at 8:47 AM, skunked_again said:Perry is on fire right now if you dont mind the wind.
Skunked! It's been quite awhile since I've seen you on the board, always liked you're straightforward reports and comments.
I'm going to Olathe in the morning. My buddy backed out last minute so if anyone wants to go I'll have an empty back of the boat. Planning on getting out there at first light and fishing until about 1 because I have a doctors appointment.
Doc-Drew reply :
Just got back from a week-long visit with my family up in South Dakota. While I was up there, I managed to talk my father into taking the boat out of the lake we have a house on (Lake Pickerel) and giving Clear Lake, SD a try. Lake Pickerel is fun if you want numbers. We caught 43 bass in 2 hours one day but I wanted to try something for bigger bass. I am glad I did. In two days, fishing from 7-12 we boated 29 and 28 bass. Mainly smallmouths but a few small largemouths mixed in. Most of the bass were caught in 3-5' of water on jigs. We ended up with 16 smallmouths over 17”.
AllDay reply :
On 8/29/2012 at 10:01 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Skunked! It's been quite awhile since I've seen you on the board, always liked you're straightforward reports and comments.
I'm going to Olathe in the morning. My buddy backed out last minute so if anyone wants to go I'll have an empty back of the boat. Planning on getting out there at first light and fishing until about 1 because I have a doctors appointment.
How did Olathe fair for you? I hear you have to dock your boat come dusk - is this true? That would totally spoil my night bite trips!
AllDay reply :
Have any of you fished Brown SFL in Hiawatha this year? If so, let me know your thoughts!
joefish reply :
On 8/30/2012 at 12:13 AM, AllDay said:Have any of you fished Brown SFL in Hiawatha this year? If so, let me know your thoughts!
According to KDWPT Brown SFL has blue-green algae and it is still in Advisory State. Shouldn't be a problem fishing but wouldn't want to get in the water.
retro basser reply :
On 8/28/2012 at 8:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes, it will be packed with lots of people acting crazy and lots of them that should never be allowed to operate a boat. Don't be so sure about nobody being out at night out there either. I've seen ski boats running full speed in the dark with no lights on out there. It's usually like a miniature version of Lake of the Ozarks out there, only it's much small so the chaos is more concentrated. Despite all that I've done very well out there during Memorial and Labor day weekends both. Last time I was out there for Labor Day my wife and I caught hundreds of big white bass, literally until we got bored with catching 1-2 pound white bass. They had thousands of shad pushed into the marina by the dam and were just on a constant attack for 2 days straight, it was pretty crazy.
Congrats on your 3,000th?!? post!!
+1 on the Ozarks of KS, I'd steer clear of Perry on a big weekend if you like wake free fishing.
Having said that... bikes can't float but i'd be an easy deal to sling some Mardi Gras beads to shore
AllDay reply :
On 8/30/2012 at 1:52 AM, joefish said:According to KDWPT Brown SFL has blue-green algae and it is still in Advisory State. Shouldn't be a problem fishing but wouldn't want to get in the water.
I saw that report too - I'll hold off on Brown for now. The potential exposure to neurotoxins from the algae doesn't appeal to me.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 8/30/2012 at 12:12 AM, AllDay said:How did Olathe fair for you? I hear you have to dock your boat come dusk - is this true? That would totally spoil my night bite trips!
Well after I've been bragging on how good Olathe had been it sent me home with my tail between my legs. 4 hours and I only managed 8, biggest was maybe 15", most around 12. I also caught a catfish casting a swimbait to schooling wipers and letting it swing back to the boat on a tight line, kind of surprised me. Best pattern was to catch a fish on a bait then put it away. I caught 1 on a chatterbait, 3 on 2 different color jigs, 4 on 3 different color worms on shakyheads. Also caught a very heavy sleeping bag on a jigging spoon, unhooked it before I had a chance to see if anyone was inside it or not
The lake is open from sunrise to midnight is what the sign says but I was out there at 5:30am and all gates are open and another boat showed up shortly after I did and proceeded to launch without any lights on their boat.
retro basser reply :
On 8/30/2012 at 9:20 PM, AllDay said:I saw that report too - I'll hold off on Brown for now. The potential exposure to neurotoxins from the algae doesn't appeal to me.
Brown sucks. I went last year. Extremely silted small little lake. You can bottom out in the middle of the lake in some spots. Ok for the bank fisherman if anything, but for a boat you can do much, much better.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/1/2012 at 11:40 PM, retro basser said:Brown sucks. I went last year. Extremely silted small little lake. You can bottom out in the middle of the lake in some spots. Ok for the bank fisherman if anything, but for a boat you can do much, much better.
I second that motion. Been there once, no desire to ever go back.
AllDay reply :
On 9/1/2012 at 3:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Well after I've been bragging on how good Olathe had been it sent me home with my tail between my legs. 4 hours and I only managed 8, biggest was maybe 15", most around 12. I also caught a catfish casting a swimbait to schooling wipers and letting it swing back to the boat on a tight line, kind of surprised me. Best pattern was to catch a fish on a bait then put it away. I caught 1 on a chatterbait, 3 on 2 different color jigs, 4 on 3 different color worms on shakyheads. Also caught a very heavy sleeping bag on a jigging spoon, unhooked it before I had a chance to see if anyone was inside it or not
The lake is open from sunrise to midnight is what the sign says but I was out there at 5:30am and all gates are open and another boat showed up shortly after I did and proceeded to launch without any lights on their boat.
Look on the bright side - you didn't get skunked! Looks like Olathe's hours match Wyco's. Perhaps one of these times I'll hit up Olathe. I just returned from fishing Richmond (excellent!), Garnett South (average), and Cedar Creek Valley reservoir (good) and I'll write more with pics.
AllDay reply :
On 9/2/2012 at 2:56 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I second that motion. Been there once, no desire to ever go back.
Well if two people are saying the same thing then that's the triangulation I need - I won't be going there! Tomorrow on the docket is Milford lake camping then Monday all day is fishing Milford. I'm definitely starting from the south end like I did last time and you can bet I'll be throwing crankbaits.
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm going to take the kids camping at the state lake tonight........ pray for me! Lol
retro basser reply :
On 9/2/2012 at 8:59 PM, Hi Salenity said:I'm going to take the kids camping at the state lake tonight........ pray for me! Lol
This will be the trip! Gotta happen soon right?
Should be getting my *ahem* blessed truck back this week and start tearing up lakes for the fall season. In the meantime if anyone is heading out to perry this week I've got gas money
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/3/2012 at 5:40 AM, retro basser said:This will be the trip! Gotta happen soon right?
Should be getting my *ahem* blessed truck back this week and start tearing up lakes for the fall season. In the meantime if anyone is heading out to perry this week I've got gas money
Probably going Wednesday and I have an empty back seat if you're interested.
retro basser reply :
On 9/3/2012 at 7:12 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Probably going Wednesday and I have an empty back seat if you're interested.
Heck ya I am...
With it staying dark later i might get to sleep in till 5 this time... hehe
I'll text ya..
Bluebasser86 reply :
Yeah I don't start seeing any light in the sky at work until about 6am now.
AllDay reply :
Well the Labor Day report is here. That Friday night was a wash-out from the gulf rains. Saturday late morning the rains let up and I started with Garnett-Crystal lake (South) and it lended a few small LMB and nothing of size. I cruised 3/4 of the way around the 10+ acres lake in 45 mins and moved on to Cedar Creek Valley Reservoir about 4 miles southwest of Garnett:
Cedar Creek Valley was good - to the northeast side of the lake (see above link) was the route I fished. This particular route was good b/c it was nearly completely lined with steep drop-offs within 3-5 feet from shore. LMB were actively hitting crankbaits running parallel to and shallow (about 3'-5') off the shore. I boated several LMB around 13"-15" and the largest was a 2-lbs LMB:
The water levels were low (as is everywhere in the state) and when levels restore, this can be a good bass lake b/c it has good structures and cover currently exposed. There aren't any standing timber where submerged timber and brushpiiles are dominant. The entire reservoir is lined by rocky shorelines and bluffs. The locals say the LMB here get up to 10 lbs and is comparable to La Cygne. After about 2 hours I packed up and headed for Richmond lake - boy was I in for a treat.
This 2 acres lake is stockpiled with LMB and they fight with an attitude. I'm not surprised - this is a fish-fed lake:
The east side of the lake is the deepest and was the most productive where the same crankbait colors used at Cedar Valley worked at Richmond. At Richmond, the cranks were cast shallow with patterns parallel and perpendicular to the shoreline worked very well. The LMB size here are great: I consistently boated 15"-18" LMB and was lovin' it. I lost several large ones and a couple of catfish (18" and 21") which also bit the crankbaits. Overall, both Richmond and Cedar Creek Valley are viable lakes. Definitely Richmond - I'll be going back!
The morning of Labor Day at 0630 we set out to fish the same point as before at Milford:
These two areas were very productive as they have very steep drop-offs near the shore. I caught a few SMB, a drum, and a bluegill, all off red/orange crawdad Rapala crankbait. I lost a big one too and never saw it but it sure fought hard and heavy. The casting method most effective was to use a 10' deep diving crank casting perpendicular to shore and quickly retrieving it, bouncing off the bottom until it reaches the drop-off cliff where the fish are suspending. By the late morning the bite slowed and we decided to drive to NEBO SFL in Holton. To be fair, NEBO, another small < 5 acres lake wasn't "completed": my batteries were depleted and trolling the entire lake wasn't finished. However, I had several strikes on cranks on the east side brushpiles and boated a small catfish along the south side brushpile. To the entire west side are huge floating lotuses/lillies and I would love to try a dawn/dusk topwater in that area. I didn't have the opportunity to fish the north end piers and brushpiles. It was around 3PM, 100'F and water temps at 85'F with a depleted battery so conditions were less than ideal and I still got strikes. I would consider returning to NEBO under better conditions.
AllDay reply :
Let me know if you guys have fished NEBO or surrounding bodies of water in Holton. I referenced NEBO in a post a few moments ago. Let me know your thoughts!
Ku Xiong reply :
I dont want to be a debbie downer on this situation, but please if you go to a lake with zebra mussel infestation, try not to launch your boat onto another lake that is not infested with them. If multiple lakes are in the plans, atleast go to the lake with no infestations first. It is up to us to reduce the transplantation of these critters to other neighboring lakes. The last i checked Milford is on the ANS list. Not too sure about Nebo. Sorry, I do not mean to start anything with you AllDay. I love your reports, and keep them coming. Just be careful with them zebra mussels.
Tight Lines and Good Fishin!!
retro basser reply :
On 9/6/2012 at 7:53 AM, AllDay said:Well the Labor Day report is here....
FANTASTIC, well composed, report! Glad the deep running cranks were working for you... If you do the work you might as well reap the reward. I'd like to fish all of those lakes, but have only done NEBO. It's a big bass lake and the only downside in this case is it is NOT a small bass numbers lake. A great test for any serious fisherman because the bite will likely be as subtle as your presentation must be to get bit. It's so quiet up there and the lake so small I think they hear most anglers coming a mile away.
On 9/6/2012 at 3:42 PM, Ku Xiong said:please if you go to a lake with zebra mussel infestation, try not to launch your boat onto another lake that is not infested with them.
Tight Lines and Good Fishin!!
Even if you are washing your boat, it's good that Xiong makes the point, just as a reminder. I like to take multi-lake roadtrips too and I've found the easiest way to handle this is just hit a carwash, use a spray bottle of diluted bleach for the bilge, and by the time you reach your next destination you'll be dry and 'un-infested' ... has a nice ring to it huh?
retro basser reply :
Blue helped out a boatless brother yesterday and let me ride along as he went to Perry. We got there pre-dawn and he didn't have his rigs ready so while he was tying up I threw a black buzzbait around the cove as we trolled a little... I was kinda surprised I didn't get a bite or anything...
When he's finally done stripping & restringing a reel, then tying on several in the dark (3 min later...) He throws in.... BAMMMM first cast is a 1+ pound smalllie....
Next cast BAMMMM.. he's into one again can't remember what it was...
Third cast... You guessed it.... BAMMM at least that one was probably a friggin Drum.
At this point i'm wondering if I shoulda just brought a 6pack and lawn chair instead of my fishing gear for the day...
But it turned around quickly enough after I dropped the buzzbait for a squarebill and we got into a school of whites and got to land a few of them at least and i got a largemouth right around 2 lbs at the next spot.
Turns out we were catching the tail end of the coldfront blowing in from due north, once the scattered clouds let the bluebird skies and hot sun in the bite slowed down a ton. I think he ended up with 10 greens/browns and I only got that 1 from the morning... but I think mine held big bass honors till about noon
Oh, and also we helped a hooker in the tiniest pink bikini I've ever seen unsnag her line...THAT was interesting.. The game in Topeka must be getting rough if the gals have to resort to 'fishing' down at the marina hehe
Ku Xiong reply :
Three of us went out to Leavenworth State Lake today from about 4:30pm until dark. We caught a little over 25 bass mostly on squarebills. We caught a few others on chatterbait, buzzbait, and spinnerbaits. Dark colors seemed to be the best on chatterbait and buzzbait. Bluegill color on squarebills. It was very slow on soft plastics. I think we only caught 1 bass on a shakeyhead and it was small. They seemed to want something moving today out there. They were slamming squarebills on the pause of the retrieve. The biggest was just a little bit over 3.5 pounds caught on a squarebill. Today has been the best day so far out there for us. Fish were caught in 3-7 feet of water, wherever there is grass on the bottom.
Tight Lines and Good Fishin!!
AllDay reply :
On 9/6/2012 at 3:42 PM, Ku Xiong said:I dont want to be a debbie downer on this situation, but please if you go to a lake with zebra mussel infestation...
No offense taken Ku. I was aware of the zebra mussel existence at Milford and went to the carwash, but I can take some bleach with me next time too. A couple weeks ago, I posted a question about Perry and expressed concern about its infestation there (haven't been there yet this year). Will ensure the boat is 'detoxed' or that the zebra mussel infested lake is the last one so that the lakes are preserved!
AllDay reply :
On 9/7/2012 at 1:19 AM, retro basser said:Oh, and also we helped a hooker in the tiniest pink bikini I've ever seen unsnag her line...THAT was interesting..
Very informative report retro, particularly the part where you helped a damsel, OK hooker, in distress.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/7/2012 at 11:54 AM, AllDay said:Very informative report retro, particularly the part where you helped a damsel, OK hooker, in distress.
He wasn't joking, it was like she'd sewn a couple eye patches together and decided that covered enough. Definitely looked better from a distance, got up close to help her and it was something like this 
I was really surprised Perry was not better than it was. If we'd been after drum it would have been a great day. I had 8 largemouth and 2 smallmouth all day along with at least that many drum, several white bass, and a little flathead. We were getting tons of quick "tap tap" bites and that was all they were doing. The ones that would pick a bait up and run either dropped it quickly after picking it up or just didn't have the whole bait in their mouth. You'd set the hook and see the tooth scratches on the bait but it would be back from the hook a ways. The water is way down (I'd say at least 7-10 feet) leaving lots of my normally productive areas on dry land or with almost no water.
I think the front must have really been influencing the fishing a lot. I say this because I fished the Wednesday nighter at Wyco with Chris that night, after my boat when through a good carwash/bleach bath We fished hard all night and caught a total of.......7, no keepers, only one I even had to measure actually. Our normal spots and baits were just not getting bit. Everyone pretty much echoed our results, they just were not biting. We did have a massive school of white bass erupt behind the boat and spent 20 minutes catching those and 1 nice wiper almost as fast as we could get our jigging spoons to the bottom, and sometimes it didn't make it to the bottom. If I'd known how bad the bass fishing would continue to suck I would have kept catching them all night, at least we were catching something. 2 fish and 3.18lb won it, only 5 fish weighed in but one was a nice 3.12lb largemouth, that's a hog for out there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/6/2012 at 7:56 AM, AllDay said:Let me know if you guys have fished NEBO or surrounding bodies of water in Holton. I referenced NEBO in a post a few moments ago. Let me know your thoughts!
Retro asked about Nebo last year I believe, this was my reply to him.
Don't bother going to Nebo, they're making that stuff up about 8lb bass in that tiny lake Acutally if you catch her she'll look something like this.
That's from a couple years ago out there. Don't expect to catch many but there are some big ones swimming in there. It's a shallow, muddy little lake with several brush piles and lots of lilly pads in the north end. That one ate a red shad Yum wolley bug in a brushpile straight across from the boat ramp. If you do catch her or one of her sisters, please put them back. Those fish are my Kansas version of Dottie. That one is missing part of the bottom of her tail and I've caught her a couple times and watched her get bigger from catching her and from pictures of when KDWP shocks that lake and rolls her up. I'd be heartbroken to know she went on someone's wall
Also don't bother with the lily pads. They look great but I have NEVER caught a single bass from them or even had a bite for that matter. My biggest bass of the year this year was also from Nebo. Just have to emphasize how important catch and release is on a tiny lake that is capable of producing bass like that because the balance could be upset so easily. Don't expect many bites. When we fished it this spring we might have put 15 in the boat and that is probably one of the best days numbers wise I've had out there with a 4 and my 6.1 being the biggest. Most days I can expect it to be more like 5-10 fish though.
Banner Creek in Holton can be really good too. Much better numbers, lots of standing timber, largemouth and smallmouth with a shot at a good sized one of either.
AllDay reply :
On 9/7/2012 at 3:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Acutally if you catch her she'll look something like this.
If I boat her or her sister(s) I'll release her - you have my word! I hope for their sake they remain on the sw end of the lake - these areas aren't easily accessible by bank fishers. The north and east ends are easily accessible by bank fishers and I saw evidence of that by how rocks were piled up as make shift rod holders. I hope she's not on someone's wall!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/8/2012 at 8:57 AM, AllDay said:If I boat her or her sister(s) I'll release her - you have my word! I hope for their sake they remain on the sw end of the lake - these areas aren't easily accessible by bank fishers. The north and east ends are easily accessible by bank fishers and I saw evidence of that by how rocks were piled up as make shift rod holders. I hope she's not on someone's wall!
I've never caught a big bass from that lake in an area that could be reached by a bank fisherman. They seem to be strictly catch and keep fishermen out there, mainly for catfish but I doubt they'd be shy about keeping a big bass either. I was out there one day they were shocking the lake, the number of fish over 5lbs in that lake is insane. The number of fish I normally catch over 5lbs from there is humbling.
Hi Salenity reply :
Hey guys, lets start planning the fall get together.... We need some suggestions on a place and a date.
pbrussell reply :
Hey KC guys. How's it going? Been a minute since I've checked in here. It's also been a minute since I've taken the boat out. Not that it's finally cooled down, I'll be getting out again next week. Any lakes that are hot? What are the fish doing in your local waters right now?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 9:19 AM, pbrussell said:Hey KC guys. How's it going? Been a minute since I've checked in here. It's also been a minute since I've taken the boat out. Not that it's finally cooled down, I'll be getting out again next week. Any lakes that are hot? What are the fish doing in your local waters right now?
It's been pretty tough everywhere lately, everywhere I've been anyways. Going to check out a new lake Wednesday that's supposed to have some big fish, hopefully that will pan out better than Perry did last Wednesday.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/9/2012 at 9:38 PM, Hi Salenity said:Hey guys, lets start planning the fall get together.... We need some suggestions on a place and a date.
Not sure I'd be able to make it but I'll try. I'd think maybe a smaller lake this time? Something like Miami or Pleasanton? I'd be up for Melvern again or Perry too though. Somewhere around mid October would probably be pretty good so we should be past turnover and all that mess and the fish should be in full fall feeding frenzy mode.
Hi Salenity reply :
What would Lacygne be like that time of the year? They have cabins for anyone that wanted to "camp". I think it would be nice if we had a place to hangout after fishing... but catching fish would be good too.......................................... 
AllDay reply :
Well I'm back from Nebo. I'm spending the night in Topeka so I didnt bring my boat so I bank fished it. I Rambo'd through the eastern rocky banks and past some standing timbers to reach the south end - it proved to be worth the trek. I had a chance to for the first time try my hand at my video sunglasses. I'm somewhat disappointed though - the very first bass caught (18", 2.12 lbs) was not caught on video (I swore I had it on). The beginning of this video makes reference to "5 minutes ago" which was that 18". Wish I took a picture of it and instead relied strictly on video. Nebo is a good lake guys. Looking at the timestamps of when I caught these fish, they were hitting with good frequency starting around 6:30. If I'd have been on the boat I would've gone further to the west towards the lillies. I saw tons of fish jumping around that area.
http://youtu.be/7C3dExZ7zG4
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 10:54 AM, Hi Salenity said:What would Lacygne be like that time of the year? They have cabins for anyone that wanted to "camp". I think it would be nice if we had a place to hangout after fishing... but catching fish would be good too..........................................
It's La Cygne, it could be amazing or everyone could blank completely. More than likely it will be slow but a few fish will be caught. Bad thing about La Cygne, other than the fact it will be packed on the weekends, is that there is almost zero places to get out of the wind on that lake if it's from the north or south. It wouldn't be hard for someone to stay in those cabins but make the short drive to Miami or Pleasanton though if the wind was going to be a problem. Melvern and I believe Perry both have cabins also.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 11:14 AM, AllDay said:Well I'm back from Nebo. I'm spending the night in Topeka so I didnt bring my boat so I bank fished it. I Rambo'd through the eastern rocky banks and past some standing timbers to reach the south end - it proved to be worth the trek. I had a chance to for the first time try my hand at my video sunglasses. I'm somewhat disappointed though - the very first bass caught (18", 2.12 lbs) was not caught on video (I swore I had it on). The beginning of this video makes reference to "5 minutes ago" which was that 18". Wish I took a picture of it and instead relied strictly on video. Nebo is a good lake guys. Looking at the timestamps of when I caught these fish, they were hitting with good frequency starting around 6:30. If I'd have been on the boat I would've gone further to the east towards the lillies. I saw tons of fish jumping around that area.
That's crazy, I've never seen that lake that low or the water that clear. Looks like they were biting really well for you though.
AllDay reply :
Since it was my second outing, I have no frame of reference of high or low levels. The north and east ends are a time-waster. As I trekked to the south, I took scenic routes and stopped to smell the roses by casting as I walked. Those areas are totally non-productive. I also drove over to Banner Creek in west Holton. I will give it a shot one day, definitely need a boat to make that worthwhile
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 8:18 PM, AllDay said:Since it was my second outing, I have no frame of reference of high or low levels. The north and east ends are a time-waster. As I trekked to the south, I took scenic routes and stopped to smell the roses by casting as I walked. Those areas are totally non-productive. I also drove over to Banner Creek in west Holton. I will give it a shot one day, definitely need a boat to make that worthwhile
Are you talking about by the islands when you say east end? That's where I caught both my big fish and my friend lost a monster at this spring.
Chris S reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 10:54 AM, Hi Salenity said:What would Lacygne be like that time of the year? They have cabins for anyone that wanted to "camp". I think it would be nice if we had a place to hangout after fishing... but catching fish would be good too..........................................
Lacygne is hit or miss during the fall unless the lake temps keep dropping, I love that lake dont get me wrong but it would be the first guy to the rock pile wins if the temp is in the mid 60's. I like Clayton have had 30+ fish days out there with a lot of 4+'s boated. I like the idea of a lake I have never seen much less fished! Melvern was fun but my lawd they charge an arm and a leg for a campsite! Regardless I am in either way and count my boy Sean also he has been buggin the crap out of me ever since we fished Melvern!
Chris S reply :
Pounded State Lake/Pond Sunday! Shakehead & Square Bil
pbrussell reply :
Perhaps Perry would be good for this fall adventure. I would sure try my hardest to catch this one.
As much trouble as I have on that lake, everyone would smoke me. I STILL can't figure out how to get into numbers when I get out there. I can't complain though. The fish I do catch are usually between 3-5 pounds.
Chris S reply :
On 9/11/2012 at 1:56 AM, pbrussell said:As much trouble as I have on that lake, everyone would smoke me. .
Beter off than I am, I have never seen that Lake!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
The good thing about Perry or Melvern in the fall is if the bass aren't biting very well you could probably smoke the white bass all day and maybe get a few 'eyes also.
AllDay reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 8:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Are you talking about by the islands when you say east end? That's where I caught both my big fish and my friend lost a monster at this spring.
The small red circles are where I've tried to fish twice b/c they have visible submerged timber and in both attempts I got at most small dinks and didnt land anything. The big red circle to the west is misleading as we know that entire area is full of lotuses. The green checkmark is where I bank fished and found action. Perhaps if the water levels are higher the areas of the little red circles are productive - they just weren't for me in the late summer-early fall season.
AllDay reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 10:38 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Somewhere around mid October would probably be pretty good so we should be past turnover and all that mess and the fish should be in full fall feeding frenzy mode.
Have you ever tried to defy the odds and still fish during fall turnover? If so, what observations can you share? When is "the coast clear" for turnover - is it a specific water temperature?
AllDay reply :
On 9/10/2012 at 11:11 PM, Chris Schauer said:Pounded State Lake/Pond Sunday! Shakehead & Square Bil
Good bass! Always fun for the kids to get them revved up for the next outing!
AllDay reply :
On 9/11/2012 at 1:56 AM, pbrussell said:The fish I do catch are usually between 3-5 pounds.
I'll trade five 1 lbs fish for one 5 lbs fish any day of the week!
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
On 9/11/2012 at 7:43 AM, AllDay said:The small red circles are where I've tried to fish twice b/c they have visible submerged timber and in both attempts I got at most small dinks and didnt land anything. The big red circle to the west is misleading as we know that entire area is full of lotuses. The green checkmark is where I bank fished and found action. Perhaps if the water levels are higher the areas of the little red circles are productive - they just weren't for me in the late summer-early fall season.
Thanks for sharing the video and the map. Sincerely appreciated. I might have to take a day trip up there. If you ever want someone to fish with let me know. I have a very flexible schedule. Tight Lines!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/11/2012 at 7:43 AM, AllDay said:The small red circles are where I've tried to fish twice b/c they have visible submerged timber and in both attempts I got at most small dinks and didnt land anything. The big red circle to the west is misleading as we know that entire area is full of lotuses. The green checkmark is where I bank fished and found action. Perhaps if the water levels are higher the areas of the little red circles are productive - they just weren't for me in the late summer-early fall season.
The area you checked is almost exactly where I caught the 7lb 14oz fish that was in that picture I put on here out of the same brushpile you caught most of your fish in your video.
On 9/11/2012 at 7:47 AM, AllDay said:Have you ever tried to defy the odds and still fish during fall turnover? If so, what observations can you share? When is "the coast clear" for turnover - is it a specific water temperature?
I still fish during turnover, it's just very difficult for a few days following it. I've heard people say that it really doesn't effect them but that hasn't been the case in my experience. It doesn't take a big weather or water temp change to mess them up. A couple degree water temp change is a big change if it happens in a short period of time. If I get a lake and see signs of turnover I usually just try to move fast and cover a lot of water to try to put a bait in front of as many fish as possible but slow down and fish good looking visible cover thoroughly. My numbers are still never as good but the fish seem to usually be back to normal by the time I go again the next week.
retro basser reply :
On 9/9/2012 at 9:38 PM, Hi Salenity said:Hey guys, lets start planning the fall get together.... We need some suggestions on a place and a date.
I know I might be in the minority but for a get together I'd rather fish a smaller lake with a good population that also has the upside of a 3 plus pounder. I don't think 4-8 boats would crowd a 200 acre lake too bad, plus it's fun to shoot the **** out there a bit... The only ones I can think of with that perfect of population are Atchison, Miami, and Bourbon but there could be more... There is a great cabin at Atchison we could reserve and fish that Warnock that Blue was talking about too. Two good lakes that close together provides more water to cover for those who want it...
Perry works two but were gonna spend the same amount camping all put together that we would on a cabin, and you have to fire up the big engine so much to cover all the spots that are worth a ***** to fish... On a small lake we could all fish the entire thing and see what happens..
Just my .02
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 6:28 AM, retro basser said:I know I might be in the minority but for a get together I'd rather fish a smaller lake with a good population that also has the upside of a 3 plus pounder. I don't think 4-8 boats would crowd a 200 acre lake too bad, plus it's fun to shoot the **** out there a bit... The only ones I can think of with that perfect of population are Atchison, Miami, and Bourbon but there could be more... There is a great cabin at Atchison we could reserve and fish that Warnock that Blue was talking about too. Two good lakes that close together provides more water to cover for those who want it...
Perry works two but were gonna spend the same amount camping all put together that we would on a cabin, and you have to fire up the big engine so much to cover all the spots that are worth a ***** to fish... On a small lake we could all fish the entire thing and see what happens..
Just my .02
Lots of small lakes that could fit that bill. Bourbon State Lake, Miami, Pleasanton, Ft.Scott, or Bone Creek are all smaller lakes that have bigger fish and good populations of smaller fish to give everyone a good shot at catching fish. Melvern is still my pick for bigger lakes. You can all but guarantee everyone some fish and you don't have to run all over to find fish. The town of Melvern may have a little hotel or something that people could stay in that would be cheaper and easier than camping or renting a lodge. For it to work out for me it will probably have to start later in the morning and I'll just have to drive out after work though.
Hi Salenity reply :
So let's see a show of hands on who wants to go and if you have a date or a lake that you'd prefer...
I'm in and I don't have a preference what lake it is but I'd like it to be on a Saturday if that works for everyone.
Bluebasser86 reply :
If everyone doesn't mind it starting midmorning I'm in. Location isn't a huge issue to me, I have my preferences but fishing is fishing, as long as it isn't Hillsdale
AllDay reply :
On 9/11/2012 at 10:07 AM, Jim Fish the Zarks said:Thanks for sharing the video and the map. Sincerely appreciated. I might have to take a day trip up there. If you ever want someone to fish with let me know. I have a very flexible schedule. Tight Lines!
Thanks Jim. For Nebo, I've been there just twice and I'd bet $ the two best times are dawn through late morning and dusk (starting at 6:30 PM) and in the southern area. I can't speak for afternoons though. I'm cool with fishing with others at bodies of water I've already been to. When it's a new body, I prefer to fish it alone first to focus on finding and reporting on the good spots. I'll let you know when I revisit a spot!
AllDay reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 7:09 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Lots of small lakes that could fit that bill. Bourbon State Lake, Miami, Pleasanton, Ft.Scott, or Bone Creek are all smaller lakes that have bigger fish and good populations of smaller fish to give everyone a good shot at catching fish. Melvern is still my pick for bigger lakes. You can all but guarantee everyone some fish and you don't have to run all over to find fish. The town of Melvern may have a little hotel or something that people could stay in that would be cheaper and easier than camping or renting a lodge. For it to work out for me it will probably have to start later in the morning and I'll just have to drive out after work though.
I'm in for a Saturday outing. If it's a big lake, I'll give Melvern a shot (never fished it before but will give it a go). Any Saturday in October except 10/13 is fine for me. For smaller lakes, I'm curious about Pleasanton (see below). Not to split hairs but are you referring to Pleasanton Lake (small green circle) or Pleasanton City Lake (large green circle) or both? The advantage of Pleasanton is if someone's struggling badly, then head up north a piece and you're at Miami. I'm talking my way into Pleasanton for my smaller lake preference. Group goal: nobody gets skunked.
AllDay reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 6:28 AM, retro basser said:Just my .02
Definitely splitting hairs here: you need a dollar sign to be official: $.02
Jim Fish the Zarks reply :
I would be interested in an outing. Do any of these lakes have boat/motor size limitations? Do they have any type of blue cat population?
If there is a blue cat population a fish fry might be fun after a good day on the water.
Chris S reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 9:54 AM, Hi Salenity said:So let's see a show of hands on who wants to go and if you have a date or a lake that you'd prefer...
I'm in and I don't have a preference what lake it is but I'd like it to be on a Saturday if that works for everyone.
I am ok with this suggestion, I dont work weekends and would like a Saturday trip also.
Blue stop picking on my Walleye lake
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm going to vote for Hillsdale. I think that place scares blue and that may level the playing field for the rest of us.
Chris S reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 10:36 PM, Hi Salenity said:I'm going to vote for Hillsdale. I think that place scares blue and that may level the playing field for the rest of us.
LMAO!!!!! I fish it all the time!!
retro basser reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 10:36 PM, Hi Salenity said:I'm going to vote for Hillsdale. I think that place scares blue and that may level the playing field for the rest of us.
hehe.
Maybe we should get the the day figured out first. 10/6 or 10/20 what is better for everyone? We got a whole month to figure out the fun part: where.
Also know that the lake time is flexible, i'm sure a few of us will fish both saturday and sunday morning... some guys might just be able to make one or the other...
Busy reply :
I would be interested in going as a non-boater if that is possible.
Chris S reply :
On 9/13/2012 at 12:46 AM, retro basser said:hehe.
Maybe we should get the the day figured out first. 10/6 or 10/20 what is better for everyone? We got a whole month to figure out the fun part: where.
Also know that the lake time is flexible, i'm sure a few of us will fish both saturday and sunday morning... some guys might just be able to make one or the other...
Either works for me get paid on th 5th and 20th
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/12/2012 at 12:40 PM, AllDay said:I'm in for a Saturday outing. If it's a big lake, I'll give Melvern a shot (never fished it before but will give it a go). Any Saturday in October except 10/13 is fine for me. For smaller lakes, I'm curious about Pleasanton (see below). Not to split hairs but are you referring to Pleasanton Lake (small green circle) or Pleasanton City Lake (large green circle) or both? The advantage of Pleasanton is if someone's struggling badly, then head up north a piece and you're at Miami. I'm talking my way into Pleasanton for my smaller lake preference. Group goal: nobody gets skunked.
It would be Pleasanton East Lake, the bigger lake, that I would want to have it at between those two. Just about 10 minutes further south from La Cygne so not a bad drive. Lots of smaller fish with some bigger ones to be had. Pretty shallow and wouldn't be good for the guys wanting to fish all weekend. I second the main objective of everyone catching fish, that's why it shouldn't be at Hillsdale!
On 9/12/2012 at 9:52 PM, Chris Schauer said:I am ok with this suggestion, I dont work weekends and would like a Saturday trip also.
Blue stop picking on my Walleye lake
I'm not convinced there's any walleye in that lake.
On 9/12/2012 at 10:36 PM, Hi Salenity said:I'm going to vote for Hillsdale. I think that place scares blue and that may level the playing field for the rest of us.
Other than drum, catfish, and white bass, I have never caught a keeper fish out of that lake out of probably 6-8 trips out there. I bet I've caught less than a dozen bass out of there. If we're after drum it's a great lake though.
On 9/13/2012 at 12:46 AM, retro basser said:hehe.
Maybe we should get the the day figured out first. 10/6 or 10/20 what is better for everyone? We got a whole month to figure out the fun part: where.
Also know that the lake time is flexible, i'm sure a few of us will fish both saturday and sunday morning... some guys might just be able to make one or the other...
I vote for the 20th, gives everyone plenty of time to try to get the day off from work and get any other plans taken care of.
On 9/13/2012 at 1:13 AM, Busy said:I would be interested in going as a non-boater if that is possible.
As long as we have enough boats there it should be alright. We had some guys there as nonboaters at Melvern earlier this year too.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well Jon and I fished Cedar Valley in Garnett Wednesday until 1, then Richmond until 3:30. I can say I will go back to Cedar Valley without a doubt. It isn't a numbers lake for certain but when you get one it's a healthy fish. We caught largemouth, white bass/wiper, drum, channel cat, flathead, and sunfish. Our bass were on homemade chatterbaits and brush jigs, Luck E Strike squarebills, Cavitrons, SK series 5, Xcaliber XR50, and Zoom Mag II worms. For some reason the west shoreline was by far the best. We got out there before the sun started to lighten the sky. Very rocky and deeper than I expected. First fish was a channel cat that smashed my chatterbait. Next was a 14" bass that sucked down a cavitron. We pulled into the second little pocket to the north of the boatramp and doubled up. Jon's fish at a homemade chatterbait.
Mine surprised me, didn't think it was very big but turned out it must have been swimming at the boat. 3.94lbs on a Luck E Strike squarebill, my biggest of the day.
Cast back to the same spot with a 1/2 homemade brush jig and got another 18" keeper.
We caught fish all down the bank to the dam but once we got across the dam to the opposite shoreline the bite stopped, completely. There was one big cove that looked so good but it was missing one big thing, as was the rest of the west shoreline, no baitfish surfacing anywhere. They were everywhere on the east bank flipping around. A few were flipping in one little pocket in the bigger cove. Pulled my jig over a log and felt the thump through my slack line. My 3rd keeper of the day inhaled my jig.
We went way back in the creek after that because the wind was howling. The bait was there but the bass were not. came out a little ways and fished a channel swing bank and caught a few more 14-16 inch fish but much slower than we'd started. There was one little pocket south of the ramp so we cut across and fished that. Like turning a light switch, we came across the lake and started catching fish again. I broke off a solid feeling fish and we caught 6 or 7 more out of that cut after catching 4 or 5 in 3 hours of fishing the east shoreline.
Richmond was fun like usual. I had a big fish boil on a pit boss as it came over a limb but I got nothing but tree when I set the hook. Caught one around 3lbs from the west end on a jig. Had a hard time keeping a crankbait fish hooked for some reason. We still caught almost 30 in the hour and half we were there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
As for where we should fish for the fall get together, it's hard to beat Melvern in the fall, here's why.
And if those aren't biting there's sure to be tons of big white bass on the bank eating everything that moves and some of these cruising the shallows.
Chris S reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 1:35 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I'm not convinced there's any walleye in that lake.
Dang Blue!
kylek reply :
How much did that first smallmouth weigh Blue?? That is a toad for sure!!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 9:44 PM, Chris Schauer said:Dang Blue!
Yeah I know, I was just kidding. I've even caught them myself the couple times I've fished for them, none of them would have been keepers even on a 15" lake though.
On 9/14/2012 at 9:50 PM, kylek said:How much did that first smallmouth weigh Blue?? That is a toad for sure!!!!!
20" long and 5 even. It had a hand sized crappie swallowed with a lot of tail still sticking out of it's throat. I have no idea how it managed to get it in it's mouth or why it tried to eat my crankbait but I'm sure glad it did
Hi Salenity reply :
So Melvern 10-20?
Hi Salenity reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 9:44 PM, Chris Schauer said:Dang Blue!
Shorts, all of them! ..................................jk
Chris S reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 10:20 PM, Hi Salenity said:So Melvern 10-20?
Chris S reply :
Ok so my Saturday fishing buddy just canceled for La Cygne Saturday, yes this Saturday.
If any of you non-boaters or any one else wants to jump in my boat call or text me 302 943 8810, all I ask for is some gas money for the truck, I will take care of the boat gas.
Astro Table has tomorrow as the Shat for September 1130am until 2pm and with the cold weather I am hoping the big girls have moved closer to the overflow area or the flats there.
Wind will be ESE at 8mph
joefish reply :
On 9/7/2012 at 11:18 AM, Ku Xiong said:Three of us went out to Leavenworth State Lake today from about 4:30pm until dark. We caught a little over 25 bass mostly on squarebills. We caught a few others on chatterbait, buzzbait, and spinnerbaits. Dark colors seemed to be the best on chatterbait and buzzbait. Bluegill color on squarebills. It was very slow on soft plastics. I think we only caught 1 bass on a shakeyhead and it was small. They seemed to want something moving today out there. They were slamming squarebills on the pause of the retrieve. The biggest was just a little bit over 3.5 pounds caught on a squarebill. Today has been the best day so far out there for us. Fish were caught in 3-7 feet of water, wherever there is grass on the bottom.
Tight Lines and Good Fishin!!
How's the water level in Leavenworth State Lake? Last time I was ther was really scarry at the boat ramp.
AllDay reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 1:52 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Well Jon and I fished Cedar Valley in Garnett Wednesday until 1, then Richmond until 3:30. I can say I will go back to Cedar Valley without a doubt. It isn't a numbers lake for certain but when you get one it's a healthy fish.
VERY NICE I knew that lake had potential!!!
Busy reply :
On 9/15/2012 at 1:37 AM, joefish said:How's the water level in Leavenworth State Lake? Last time I was ther was really scarry at the boat ramp.
Still about the same. I've seen a few people wreck props around the ramp this year. The shallow ramp is still closed and the docks are still sitting on dry land.
retro basser reply :
On 9/13/2012 at 1:13 AM, Busy said:I would be interested in going as a non-boater if that is possible.
I don't mind bringing ya, I'm in lawrence too so that'd be easy...
The 20th seems to work for a few of us.. should we just plan for that?
Busy reply :
On 9/15/2012 at 10:34 PM, retro basser said:I don't mind bringing ya, I'm in lawrence too so that'd be easy...
The 20th seems to work for a few of us.. should we just plan for that?
I'm sending you a PM. Thank you for the offer!
The 20th works for me, and it depends how the plans shape up but I could probably make a weekend out of it with that much notice.
joefish reply :
On 9/15/2012 at 3:29 AM, Busy said:Still about the same. I've seen a few people wreck props around the ramp this year. The shallow ramp is still closed and the docks are still sitting on dry land.
That's what I was afraid of. 
With my luck I would bang up my prop. 
Guess I'll wait for next spring and hope for some rain to fill Leavenworth State Lake back to normal, 
Wachati reply :
I am down for the 10/20 thingamabobber. My vote is no hillsdale and I think bone creek would be a great spot for this event. Lake has plenty of area for us all to spread out, definitely catch lots of fish and there is a healthy number of keepers. There are also 7 motels/hotels in fort Scott.
Wachati reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 11:25 PM, Chris Schauer said:Ok so my Saturday fishing buddy just canceled for La Cygne Saturday, yes this Saturday.
If any of you non-boaters or any one else wants to jump in my boat call or text me 302 943 8810, all I ask for is some gas money for the truck, I will take care of the boat gas.
Astro Table has tomorrow as the Shat for September 1130am until 2pm and with the cold weather I am hoping the big girls have moved closer to the overflow area or the flats there.
Wind will be ESE at 8mph
Hey what type of boat do you have? Might have seen you out there today. I was the one with his motor cover off trying to get his flooded motor to start for 2 hours lol. Finally got her going but the fishing went like the rest of the day, frustrating.
kylek reply :
Is there any chance a non boater could get in on this? I would love to come but don't own a boat.
Also what time would this get started? I would have to stop and get an out of state license for the day somewhere.
Kyle
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm going to throw some "Black" jigs around the state lake in the morning...........................................................WOW, that sounds racist!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/16/2012 at 10:14 AM, kylek said:Is there any chance a non boater could get in on this? I would love to come but don't own a boat.
Also what time would this get started? I would have to stop and get an out of state license for the day somewhere.
Kyle
As long as we have enough boats or if you have a buddy with a boat that wants to fish that day. You can get a license in advance and just have them write it for that day, you don't have to buy it the same day. Not sure what time everyone wants to start. I won't be able to make it anywhere early since I won't get off work until 8am but a later start might not be bad by that time of year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/16/2012 at 9:36 AM, Wachati said:I am down for the 10/20 thingamabobber. My vote is no hillsdale and I think bone creek would be a great spot for this event. Lake has plenty of area for us all to spread out, definitely catch lots of fish and there is a healthy number of keepers. There are also 7 motels/hotels in fort Scott.
Bone Creek would be alright but not sure how many guys are willing to pull their boats down all those rutted out dirt roads and then bounce them off the trees all day. Another problem with Bone Creek is that if the bass aren't biting there really is no fall back, everyone is just going to be working their butts off fishing trees all day for a few bites since there aren't any whites or wipers and very few walleye. It can be a fun lake to fish for sure, but if it gets tough like it can be there will be some guys that go home without catching a fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/14/2012 at 10:20 PM, Hi Salenity said:So Melvern 10-20?
That sounds like it will work for most of the guys that are interested in going. Everyone wanting to fish just send me a PM and let me know and also if you're going to be bringing a boat or not. I'm sure everyone wants to do the cook out afterwards so after I get a headcount we'll figure out who's bringing what.
AllDay reply :
I'll report more on the results of Mound City, Pleasanton (West) and Pleasanton (East) but in the meantime, here's a teaser vid: I landed a 5 lbs 2 oz chunk at Pleasanton East:
http://youtu.be/md7MX5wk-EE
Hi Salenity reply :
Me and Peter went to the state lake this morning. To start the day he whooped me from the back of the boat catching 5 fish as soon as he got in the boat to my ZERO!
We made our way to another spot on the lake and I started catching a few fish and was trying to make a comeback.
He ended up catching this fish and I told him let me get a pic of that it may be the fish of the day!
That picture cracks me up. it makes it look like a one pound dink... it was actually a nice fish Worthy of a picture .
Anyhow it was a typical day at the state lake, once it hit 9am the fishing shut OFF!
I finally told him alright I'm going to get the big rod with the big jig and stop trying to just get a bite .
After a couple of casts I drug my jig off a ledge and got a bite. I knew something seemed different this one was peeling line out? Afew seconds later it jumped out of the water and I herd Peter with the quote of the day= " WHO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have a net?"
She played along and went into the boat with no problems. I'll try to look at my pictures but I think this may be the fish I caught earlier this spring.
Hi Salenity reply :
I tried to compare the pic's back on page 38 but I cant tell if its the same fish.
joefish reply :
What State Lake are you fishing? is it Leavenworth by chance?
Nice FIsh 
! !
I fished Wyco this morning, caught several LMB and a couple smallies but nothing nearly that nice. 
Wachati reply :
Did you have to rub it in by posting my picture, haha...hey I accomplished my goal today, DINKMASTER!!!!! It seems to be a trend. I am beginning to wonder if Clayton and you bring me for my photography skills. Yeah that fish today was a great ending to a slow day, when you said you got one, you didn't imply like it was a fish of any size. So I'm watching you reel it in and as soon as I saw its mouth come out of the water and head shake, I about shat my pants. So yeah I was excited, didn't know how good she was hooked bc you said you didn't get a full set on her. It will be interesting to fish that spot some more.
Wachati reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 6:29 AM, joefish said:What State Lake are you fishing? is it Leavenworth by chance?
Nice FIsh
I fished Wyco this morning, caught several LMB and a couple smallies but nothing nearly that nice.
Miami CO
kylek reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 5:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:Me and Peter went to the state lake this morning. To start the day he whooped me from the back of the boat catching 5 fish as soon as he got in the boat to my ZERO!
We made our way to another spot on the lake and I started catching a few fish and was trying to make a comeback.
He ended up catching this fish and I told him let me get a pic of that it may be the fish of the day!
That picture cracks me up. it makes it look like a one pound dink... it was actually a nice fish Worthy of a picture .
Anyhow it was a typical day at the state lake, once it hit 9am the fishing shut OFF!
I finally told him alright I'm going to get the big rod with the big jig and stop trying to just get a bite .
After a couple of casts I drug my jig off a ledge and got a bite. I knew something seemed different this one was peeling line out? Afew seconds later it jumped out of the water and I herd Peter with the quote of the day= " WHO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have a net?"
She played along and went into the boat with no problems. I'll try to look at my pictures but I think this may be the fish I caught earlier this spring.
Great fish!!!! How much did it weigh?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 8:57 AM, Wachati said:Did you have to rub it in by posting my picture, haha...hey I accomplished my goal today, DINKMASTER!!!!! It seems to be a trend. I am beginning to wonder if Clayton and you bring me for my photography skills. Yeah that fish today was a great ending to a slow day, when you said you got one, you didn't imply like it was a fish of any size. So I'm watching you reel it in and as soon as I saw its mouth come out of the water and head shake, I about shat my pants. So yeah I was excited, didn't know how good she was hooked bc you said you didn't get a full set on her. It will be interesting to fish that spot some more.
Now now, if I didn't have my own fish hooked at the time and could have gotten the net I believe you would have put a fish close to that size in the boat the first time we fished La Cygne last year. That one you have looks like a good fish, you just have the fish held at an angle in towards your body so it looks smaller.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 1:45 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Now now, if I didn't have my own fish hooked at the time and could have gotten the net I believe you would have put a fish close to that size in the boat the first time we fished La Cygne last year. That one you have looks like a good fish, you just have the fish held at an angle in towards your body so it looks smaller.
I told him as I was taking the pic to "hold it Big O style".
Hi Salenity reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 9:47 AM, kylek said:Great fish!!!! How much did it weigh?
My scales said it weighed less every time we weighed it.
Peter's scales said 6.28#
It almost made my golden rule disappear. It was around 22'' long
Hi Salenity reply :
After some looking I don't this is the same fish as the fish in the bottom pic that I caught earlier this spring.
I wonder how many other fish this size are in that pond?
pbrussell reply :
Well, couldn't find the green (or brown) fish anywhere on perry yesterday. Hunted for them for about 5 hours before I hung it up. Fished marina docks, piers, main lake points (and secondary's), channel bank, bridge rip-rap, and had one bite on a jig.
I absolutely smoked the whites though. Texas shad squarebill around bridge rip-rap in rock creek. Some of em probably went over two pounds.
Chris S reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 5:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:Me and Peter went to the state lake this morning. To start the day he whooped me from the back of the boat catching 5 fish as soon as he got in the boat to my ZERO!
We made our way to another spot on the lake and I started catching a few fish and was trying to make a comeback.
He ended up catching this fish and I told him let me get a pic of that it may be the fish of the day!
That picture cracks me up. it makes it look like a one pound dink... it was actually a nice fish Worthy of a picture .
Anyhow it was a typical day at the state lake, once it hit 9am the fishing shut OFF!
I finally told him alright I'm going to get the big rod with the big jig and stop trying to just get a bite .
After a couple of casts I drug my jig off a ledge and got a bite. I knew something seemed different this one was peeling line out? Afew seconds later it jumped out of the water and I herd Peter with the quote of the day= " WHO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have a net?"
She played along and went into the boat with no problems. I'll try to look at my pictures but I think this may be the fish I caught earlier this spring.
Holy Shites Batman thats a PIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris S reply :
On 9/16/2012 at 9:58 AM, Wachati said:Hey what type of boat do you have? Might have seen you out there today. I was the one with his motor cover off trying to get his flooded motor to start for 2 hours lol. Finally got her going but the fishing went like the rest of the day, frustrating.
I have a black LOWE FM165 with White & Blue letters, I did not make it out in the boat this weekend, stayed close to home and fished a few ponds. Glad you got her running!!!
Chris S reply :
I am good with Melvern for the 20th! With gas at $4 a gallon almost anything close is good by me!!!
retro basser reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 5:48 AM, Hi Salenity said:Me and Peter went to the state lake this morning. To start the day he whooped me from the back of the boat catching 5 fish as soon as he got in the boat to my ZERO!
We made our way to another spot on the lake and I started catching a few fish and was trying to make a comeback.
He ended up catching this fish and I told him let me get a pic of that it may be the fish of the day!
That picture cracks me up. it makes it look like a one pound dink... it was actually a nice fish Worthy of a picture .
Anyhow it was a typical day at the state lake, once it hit 9am the fishing shut OFF!
I finally told him alright I'm going to get the big rod with the big jig and stop trying to just get a bite .
After a couple of casts I drug my jig off a ledge and got a bite. I knew something seemed different this one was peeling line out? Afew seconds later it jumped out of the water and I herd Peter with the quote of the day= " WHO,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,do you have a net?"
She played along and went into the boat with no problems. I'll try to look at my pictures but I think this may be the fish I caught earlier this spring.
WHEEEW what a pork belly!
Doubt that your gonna be able to compare pics... now that you've got an on-board photographer your pics are getting much better
retro basser reply :
Got nothing that exciting to report but good news i guess for anyone wondering about Lonestar. My buddy took his ski boat out there last wednesday and I tagged along a little early to throw a line before our friends came out... For what little fishing we got done off of that boat they sure did cooperate. Lot of healthy small bass in the dink range but even better the keeper i caught was fat and healthy looking. I've talked to old salts out there on the dock that say the 3+ pounders are back as well...
It's a long way off from being a great bass lake, but hopefully they've shrugged off the bass virus and the younger fish are starting to grow again..
Caught this one in the spring and I know for a fact it didn't go #2 and I was surprised because it was an 18in bass:
This is the one from last week a full two inches shorter but weighed about the same... It was more like you'd expect on a healthy lake..
Doc-Drew reply :
Hey congrats Salenity on the nice fish! Maybe this is a sign that the will start biting again at the state lake. My fiancee and I are planning on going camping Friday-Sunday for my birthday. The problem is, I have only fished once since the end of July so I am not really sure on where to go. I would like to try the pits at some point but I dont know when would be a good time to go down there. If anyone has any recommendations rather than the pits, let me know.
pbrussell reply :
Forgot to attach a picture. Here's the size of the whites I was catching yesterday. Despite not finding the green fish, it was still pretty fun to be whacking whites this size.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 11:37 PM, CCC-Drew said:Hey congrats Salenity on the nice fish! Maybe this is a sign that the will start biting again at the state lake. My fiancee and I are planning on going camping Friday-Sunday for my birthday. The problem is, I have only fished once since the end of July so I am not really sure on where to go. I would like to try the pits at some point but I dont know when would be a good time to go down there. If anyone has any recommendations rather than the pits, let me know.
I'm assuming you're talking about the pits down south around Columbus? The nice thing about them is lots of different bodies of water close by so if they aren't biting on one you can always hop to the next one. There's some really big fish in some of them, but there's lots of little fish in most of them.
AllDay reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 11:18 PM, retro basser said:Got nothing that exciting to report but good news i guess for anyone wondering about Lonestar.
Thanks Retro, yes I was wondering about Lonestar!
Doc-Drew reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 12:03 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I'm assuming you're talking about the pits down south around Columbus? The nice thing about them is lots of different bodies of water close by so if they aren't biting on one you can always hop to the next one. There's some really big fish in some of them, but there's lots of little fish in most of them.
Yes those are the ones I am talking about. Blue, you gave me some info on tips about the pits but looking at them I really don't know where to set up camp. When you went down there, where did you stay?
Also, if anyone else has advice on the pits, feel free to share. It is much appreciated.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 3:47 AM, CCC-Drew said:Yes those are the ones I am talking about. Blue, you gave me some info on tips about the pits but looking at them I really don't know where to set up camp. When you went down there, where did you stay?
Also, if anyone else has advice on the pits, feel free to share. It is much appreciated.
Well you can camp at any of the pits but there isn't any designated areas or anything. I had people to stay with in Pittsburg and then we just drove to the pits each day. I'm sure you could find a hotel in Pittsburg to stay in if you didn't want to camp, getting pretty chilly at night now. The trout pit has some really cool little cabins you can rent but I doubt they have an opening this close to the date you're going to be there. If you're going to camp I'd probably do it on one of the ones just outside Pittsburg or one of the ones right by West Mineral.
Hi Salenity reply :
They were within 1/4# of each other in weight.On 9/17/2012 at 8:39 PM, Hi Salenity said:
After some looking I don't this is the same fish as the fish in the bottom pic that I caught earlier this spring.
I wonder how many other fish this size are in that pond?
Hi Salenity reply :
Nice! What were you catching them on? Did you keep them? I've never ate a white...On 9/17/2012 at 11:45 PM, pbrussell said:Forgot to attach a picture. Here's the size of the whites I was catching yesterday. Despite not finding the green fish, it was still pretty fun to be whacking whites this size.
SuperFluke reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 10:03 PM, pbrussell said:Well, couldn't find the green (or brown) fish anywhere on perry yesterday. Hunted for them for about 5 hours before I hung it up. Fished marina docks, piers, main lake points (and secondary's), channel bank, bridge rip-rap, and had one bite on a jig.
I absolutely smoked the whites though. Texas shad squarebill around bridge rip-rap in rock creek. Some of em probably went over two pounds.
pbrussel - I had the same experience on Saturday at Perry. Fished from 3 p.m to 7:30 p.m. and caught whites, drum, catfish, crappie, and three largemouth. As you know, you can catch whites at will under the rock creek bridge, and it sounds like we fished a lot of the same areas. I had a crankbait get smashed on the bank north of the last docks in rock creek, but immediately broke off. Was hoping for more green and brown fish, but it was nice to catch something for a change. Used a variety of baits, but mostly finesse plastics...got sick of whites trying to impale my crankbait into my finger.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 10:38 AM, Hi Salenity said:They were within 1/4# of each other in weight.
I donno, the lateral line looks a little more filled in on the first fish than the second. Then again it looks like it has some weird marking/scarring right behind the end of her cheek plate the first time you caught her and it looks like you can still see similar markings like she might still be healing up in the more recent picture. I'd like to think there's more than one that size in there but it may very well be the same fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/17/2012 at 12:16 AM, AllDay said:I'll report more on the results of Mound City, Pleasanton (West) and Pleasanton (East) but in the meantime, here's a teaser vid: I landed a 5 lbs 2 oz chunk at Pleasanton East:
That was a nice fish, they're in there for sure. How did the rest of the adventure turn out?
AllDay reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 4:11 PM, Bluebasser86 said:That was a nice fish, they're in there for sure. How did the rest of the adventure turn out?
Last night I learned the hard way that YouTube doesnt accept uploads of video clip lengths of more than about 12:00-15:00 so there was tons of re-merging and re-uploading on my part. Anyhoo, Mound City's terrain, except for the dam, is not good for the bank fisher - bring a boat. The biggest fish I landed was a 3.9 lbs catfish (see Part 2 vid to be posted). Lots of small bass and lots of good bites. I didnt fish the entire lake though, just the west side. Would I try Mound again? Perhaps. Would have liked to have encountered a beefy bass at least once to make that decision easier. In fairness to the lake, I threw only crankbait and didn't slow it down with plastics so maybe some lunkers were there and I missed them! Moving forward, I'll work on looking more slowly at the fish and explaining things - this new video camera ordeal is new to me! Part 1 of 3:
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 7:45 PM, AllDay said:Last night I learned the hard way that YouTube doesnt accept uploads of video clip lengths of more than about 12:00-15:00 so there was tons of re-merging and re-uploading on my part. Anyhoo, Mound City's terrain, except for the dam, is not good for the bank fisher - bring a boat. The biggest fish I landed was a 3.9 lbs catfish (see Part 2 vid to be posted). Lots of small bass and lots of good bites. I didnt fish the entire lake though, just the west side. Would I try Mound again? Perhaps. Would have liked to have encountered a beefy bass at least once to make that decision easier. Moving forward, I'll work on looking more slowly at the fish and explaining things - this new video camera ordeal is new to me! Part 1 of 3:
Your videos make me want to go fish the lakes you're fishing. I haven't fished Mound City this year at all. I like that lake really well, there's some pigs in there. Pretty much every time I go out there I catch one over 4 but it can be a grind to get them.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 4:03 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I donno, the lateral line looks a little more filled in on the first fish than the second. Then again it looks like it has some weird marking/scarring right behind the end of her cheek plate the first time you caught her and it looks like you can still see similar markings like she might still be healing up in the more recent picture. I'd like to think there's more than one that size in there but it may very well be the same fish.
Look at the way the scales line up on the fish on the top. The top 1.5'' of the scales are more in a row?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 8:06 PM, Hi Salenity said:Look at the way the scales line up on the fish on the top. The top 1.5'' of the scales are more in a row?
I see what you're saying, the scales on the fish you caught the other day are very uniform above the lateral line, all over really, but especially on it's back.
AllDay reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 7:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Your videos make me want to go fish the lakes you're fishing. I haven't fished Mound City this year at all. I like that lake really well, there's some pigs in there. Pretty much every time I go out there I catch one over 4 but it can be a grind to get them.
Overall it's a decent lake so it wouldn't take an arm twisting for me to return to it. Also, it happens that my outings are after a downpour so weather factors into my performance. The vids are here to let you guys decide if you want to fish these bodies of water!
AllDay reply :
Mound City Part 2 of 3: The Catfish
http://youtu.be/Aay1Q4AmHPQ
pbrussell reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 10:47 AM, Hi Salenity said:Nice! What were you catching them on? Did you keep them? I've never ate a white...
I was catching them on a bps squarebill. Texas shad color. I didn't keep any of the fish, though I thought about it. Whites are not as good as crappie in my opinion but they're one of the better eating freshwater fish out there, and like most fish you catch out of the lake, they are best FRESH. Crappie tend to keep much better than the whites.
pbrussell reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 11:20 AM, Cole Chmielewski said:pbrussel - I had the same experience on Saturday at Perry. Fished from 3 p.m to 7:30 p.m. and caught whites, drum, catfish, crappie, and three largemouth. As you know, you can catch whites at will under the rock creek bridge, and it sounds like we fished a lot of the same areas. I had a crankbait get smashed on the bank north of the last docks in rock creek, but immediately broke off. Was hoping for more green and brown fish, but it was nice to catch something for a change. Used a variety of baits, but mostly finesse plastics...got sick of whites trying to impale my crankbait into my finger.
The odd thing Cole, was I was not under the rock creek bridge, but actually fishing the riprap parallel to the marina. They were busting shad like crazy in that area. That bank that is north of the row of docks has the channel right up against it. I was going to try fishing that at the end of the day, but was just too tired. I hear you on the finger thing. I had more treble in my thumb that what I would've liked.
pbrussell reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 7:51 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Your videos make me want to go fish the lakes you're fishing. I haven't fished Mound City this year at all. I like that lake really well, there's some pigs in there. Pretty much every time I go out there I catch one over 4 but it can be a grind to get them.
I'm with this guy here. I happen to enjoy mound a good deal. In fact, I would much rather fish mound than critzer. Critzer has taken a lot of pressure off of mound and the guys I've spoken with that used to fish mound a lot say it's back on the upswing. Apparently in the past, 8 pounders have been known to come out of the lake but you didn't hear it from me. I had a 4-5 come unbuttoned earlier in the spring on the east bank when the grass and pads were just coming out. They're in there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/18/2012 at 9:43 PM, pbrussell said:I'm with this guy here. I happen to enjoy mound a good deal. In fact, I would much rather fish mound than critzer. Critzer has taken a lot of pressure off of mound and the guys I've spoken with that used to fish mound a lot say it's back on the upswing. Apparently in the past, 8 pounders have been known to come out of the lake but you didn't hear it from me. I had a 4-5 come unbuttoned earlier in the spring on the east bank when the grass and pads were just coming out. They're in there.
I know of a confirmed 10 out of Mound as well, unfortunately it's hanging in the guys living room Personally have caught several 5 and a couple 6's out of there and netted a 7 for a friend.
I was not impressed by Critzer at all. I'll have to wait several years for the trees to thin out before I'll go back.
AllDay reply :
The final installment of the Mound trilogy: this vid has no fishing, it's more of a tour of the lake that you can't determine by looking at google maps or other means. Structurally, there are many good places for bass (east or west end). One day I'll be back
http://youtu.be/TNqSh0_EPPQ
AllDay reply :
Pleasanton Lake (West) is a small ~30 acres body of water with easy shoreline access in 75% of the lake (good news). The bad news: the remaining 25% of the lake is where the fish were, lol. I bank fished the entire lake starting from the south end, going west, then north, and finished on the east. Unequivocally, the northeast and east side of the lake is where the fish were holding on that day. The problem is - as you'll see in the video, to effectively bank fish it you have to battle through the bushes and shoreline rocks. Bank fishing again reminded me of the trials and tribulations of that style: snags both in and out of the water! A boat gives you the upper hand. I was lazy to put my boat in the water because I didnt want to exhaust my batteries to the trolling motor at this lake because I was going to Pleasanton Lake (East) later which is about ~130 acres and I needed enough juice for that lake. Towards the northeast bank I lost a couple of big ones and it was due to my treble hooks on the crankbait bending outward from the snags and the fish. I'll be switching to larger more durable treble hooks for the future. Ya learn something new every time!
http://youtu.be/Yws-PV8c7i0
Bluebasser86 reply :
I may go somewhere in the morning until a little after lunch time tomorrow and I'll have an empty back seat if anyone is interested. Going to depend a lot on the wind whether I'm sitting in a boat or treestand in the morning
AllDay reply :
And this is it for the weekend installment of the Fishin' Hole. I hope you enjoy taking the fight to different bodies of waters and putting your tackle on the line each outing on foreign waters. It's fun fishing familiar waters like Wyandotte and it's even more satisfying catching fish in unfamiliar waters!
http://youtu.be/IcMvMwcpF0I
Bluebasser86 reply :
Chris and I did the trifecta today, both Pleasanton city lakes and La Cygne. East lake was by far the best and it wasn't really that great. I did get a couple decent ones on a white war eagle. First one was 3.84
Second was 3.24
West lake wasn't nearly as good as it usually is, the wind was pretty rough though. We only fished La Cygne for an hour but it was everything I expected, 2 fish and one came off at the boat. On a positive note I am now at 2007 bass for the year
AllDay reply :
On 9/20/2012 at 11:27 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Chris and I did the trifecta today, both Pleasanton city lakes and La Cygne. East lake was by far the best and it wasn't really that great. I did get a couple decent ones on a white war eagle. First one was 3.84
Second was 3.24
West lake wasn't nearly as good as it usually is, the wind was pretty rough though. We only fished La Cygne but it was everything I expected, 2 fish and one came off at the boat. On a positive note I am now at 2007 bass for the year
It's like from the Shawshenk Redemption - Brooks etches he was here then Red follows up afterwards. The Pleasanton lakes are good when you want to mix it up from time to time. I will definitely go back to both of them. Next time around, I plan to hit up that smaller 11 acres Pleasanton lake that's adjacent to and to the east of the 32 acre Pleasanton West lake. I see the fun in testing your mettle on different bodies of water. It's one thing to dominate the Big 12 conference, it's another thing to go on the road against non-conference competition! I have a buddy who lives just 4 miles from La Cgyne, has fished it for years, and who worked at that powerplant. This Saturday early morning I'll be at La Cygne and he'll show me his tactics for that lake. Congrats on 2007!
retro basser reply :
Allday: Is that one of those Go Pro HD helmet cams? That thing is really smooth. It is nice to see different lakes structure and water level. Fortunately because of this forum I haven't had to spend time on too much dead water, but it really sucks when you do, considering the investment to get out there and all.
Blue: It's white spinnerbait season all right. couple weekends ago i hit the garnett city lake from the bank with one. The old salts fishing chicken liver on the bottom couldnt believe the 12lb cats i was bringing them.. they were up shallow in the afternoon just nailing that thing.. I told em the easiest way to catch catfish is just fish for bass hehe.
Truck is back TOMMOROW if the gods are merciful. I'm gonna go on a bender!
AllDay reply :
On 9/21/2012 at 7:03 AM, retro basser said:Allday: Is that one of those Go Pro HD helmet cams? That thing is really smooth. It is nice to see different lakes structure and water level. Fortunately because of this forum I haven't had to spend time on too much dead water, but it really sucks when you do, considering the investment to get out there and all.
Blue: It's white spinnerbait season all right. couple weekends ago i hit the garnett city lake from the bank with one. The old salts fishing chicken liver on the bottom couldnt believe the 12lb cats i was bringing them.. they were up shallow in the afternoon just nailing that thing.. I told em the easiest way to catch catfish is just fish for bass hehe.
Retro, here are my video sunglasses, purchased from http://hiddencameraglasses.com/. I got the ones with 16 GB (8 hours capacity) and I'm very satisfied with them. I'm practicing slowing down when I look around and when I look at the fish I catch so others can get a better view of the fish from the video. I'll bring these glasses on the 20th. They don't look retro so you probably wouldn't like them I too hate wasting my time on dead waters so this forum has been very good for not only saving time but $ from going to unecessary places. This year I've caught several catfish and of decent size ( > 20") and find it fun to catch cats off crankbaits while the salts sit and wait for something to bite their livers.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I'm going to try to give more heads up this time. My buddies that normally fish with me on Wednesday are all tied up, pretty much the rest of the year, ones out of vacation time and the other has to have surgery. So I'm going to have an empty back seat as I go fishing almost every Wednesday for most of the day. So if anyone is going to have a chance to fish on a Wednesday and wants to tag along just let me know.
Chris S reply :
Pond pig choked on a squarebill KVD 2.5
Ku Xiong reply :
Well, went fishing today at good ole Mound City. Three of us boated approximately 60-70 bass. We lost count after 52. The largest one being 20 inches but only weighed 2.9 pounds!!!!! Big ole head but very emaciated. Caught lots of 15-17 inchers. Fished from 9 am until dark. Also managed to catch some crappie on squarebills and catfish on shad at the feeders. Caught them on a variety of baits today, squarebills, jig n pig, crawdad soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, poppers, wakebaits, and chatterbait. The evening buzzbait was the best I have had in a long time. They were exploding on them buzzbaits like crazy!!! Lillypads were alright in the evening hours on topwater. Buzzbaits over the coontails was the way to go. Ripping squarebills through the coontails also produced in 4-5 feet of water. Caught several doing that. Very productive day. Very fun day. I got a little burnt from the sun. As long as I dont get burnt from the fish, Im ok with a little burn from the sun.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/22/2012 at 11:51 AM, Ku Xiong said:Well, went fishing today at good ole Mound City. Three of us boated approximately 60-70 bass. We lost count after 52. The largest one being 20 inches but only weighed 2.9 pounds!!!!! Big ole head but very emaciated. Caught lots of 15-17 inchers. Fished from 9 am until dark. Also managed to catch some crappie on squarebills and catfish on shad at the feeders. Caught them on a variety of baits today, squarebills, jig n pig, crawdad soft plastics, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, poppers, wakebaits, and chatterbait. The evening buzzbait was the best I have had in a long time. They were exploding on them buzzbaits like crazy!!! Lillypads were alright in the evening hours on topwater. Buzzbaits over the coontails was the way to go. Ripping squarebills through the coontails also produced in 4-5 feet of water. Caught several doing that. Very productive day. Very fun day. I got a little burnt from the sun. As long as I dont get burnt from the fish, Im ok with a little burn from the sun.
Sounds like a good time. I haven't been out there all year and I just may have to make a trip after hearing that. I wonder why that bigger fish was so skinny? Usually the bass out of that lake are thick and healthy looking. I've always had good luck on golden shiner colored baits out there and I just tied some golden shiner colored chatterbaits, might be a good chance to give them a test run
Ku Xiong reply :
On 9/22/2012 at 1:27 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Sounds like a good time. I haven't been out there all year and I just may have to make a trip after hearing that. I wonder why that bigger fish was so skinny? Usually the bass out of that lake are thick and healthy looking. I've always had good luck on golden shiner colored baits out there and I just tied some golden shiner colored chatterbaits, might be a good chance to give them a test run
The majority of the other bass caught were fat and healthy. It was the maybe 5 percent we caught that were not. Most of them were footballs!!
AllDay reply :
Speaking of Melvern, to the south is John Redmond - I notice nobody has talked about that much. Is it worth a troll?
pbrussell reply :
John Redmond is supposedly just a giant shallow mud flat that's only really good for cat fishing.
Went fishing on some small lakes/ponds today.
Caught my first EVER frog fish, and it was a giant.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 5:29 AM, pbrussell said:John Redmond is supposedly just a giant shallow mud flat that's only really good for cat fishing.
Went fishing on some small lakes/ponds today.
Caught my first EVER frog fish, and it was a giant.
Nice! What did that one go? Got to be around 7 it looks like.
pbrussell reply :
6 and a quarter, however i have no idea what the heck my scale is really at.
I weighed two 3 pound weights, and they came out at 5.
Weighed another ten pound weight, and it weighed in over ten. Who knows, ha.
Hi Salenity reply :
You da man!On 9/23/2012 at 5:29 AM, pbrussell said:John Redmond is supposedly just a giant shallow mud flat that's only really good for cat fishing.
Went fishing on some small lakes/ponds today.
Caught my first EVER frog fish, and it was a giant.y
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/22/2012 at 10:56 PM, AllDay said:Speaking of Melvern, to the south is John Redmond - I notice nobody has talked about that much. Is it worth a troll?
Catfish, white bass, duck hunting, and drownings is about all John Redmond is known for.
Wachati reply :
Curt and I battled the wind today at Melvern, and that is pretty much all we battled. Hard to fish some of the spots we wanted too, bc of the wind and water level has dropped significantly since we last fished there. I did manage to bat for the cycle catching white bass, LM, SM, bluegill, walleye, catfish, and a drum, all on square bills. Picked the wrong lake to try out my new nanofil, broke off on a hook set on first bite. The zebra mussels just tear up any line out there, lots of retying. Highlight of the day....a white bass double-up, or me not falling overboard.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 10:34 AM, Wachati said:Curt and I battled the wind today at Melvern, and that is pretty much all we battled. Hard to fish some of the spots we wanted too, bc of the wind and water level has dropped significantly since we last fished there. I did manage to bat for the cycle catching white bass, LM, SM, bluegill, walleye, catfish, and a drum, all on square bills. Picked the wrong lake to try out my new nanofil, broke off on a hook set on first bite. The zebra mussels just tear up any line out there, lots of retying. Highlight of the day....a white bass double-up, or me not falling overboard.
Nanofil is terrible around zebra mussels, or any kind of rough cover really. It's great in open water for firing long casts or fishing light baits but I don't like it for contact baits like shakyheads at all, it bows too bad. It fishes a Ned rig, grub, scrounger, wacky rig better than any line I've ever used though. Sounds like you guys still had a pretty decent day despite the wind. I think there was a pretty good cold front that must have pushed through, at least with the bluebird skies, wind, and cooler temps it sure seems like one must have.
AllDay reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 9:27 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Catfish, white bass, duck hunting, and drownings is about all John Redmond is known for.
Alrighty then - scratch John Redmond off my list!
AllDay reply :
If my performance at Pleasanton East tonight is a prelude to Melvern 10/20, watch out I boated a 5 lbs 1 oz and a 4 lbs 9 oz tonight. However, I lost a 6+ lbs LMB which is quite disappointing (it's the opportunities you lose that is remembered most). Here's a pic of the 5 lbs (left) and 4 lbs (right):
But the video has the battles:
http://youtu.be/4AQ4Qy4ZY1I
Hi Salenity reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 10:34 AM, Wachati said:Curt and I battled the wind today at Melvern, and that is pretty much all we battled. Hard to fish some of the spots we wanted too, bc of the wind and water level has dropped significantly since we last fished there. I did manage to bat for the cycle catching white bass, LM, SM, bluegill, walleye, catfish, and a drum, all on square bills. Picked the wrong lake to try out my new nanofil, broke off on a hook set on first bite. The zebra mussels just tear up any line out there, lots of retying. Highlight of the day....a white bass double-up, or me not falling overboard.
You know if you do fall out of the boa,t I'm going to post a picture of it.
AllDay reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 5:29 AM, pbrussell said:John Redmond is supposedly just a giant shallow mud flat that's only really good for cat fishing.
Went fishing on some small lakes/ponds today.
Caught my first EVER frog fish, and it was a giant.
Nice one!
Doc-Drew reply :
Hey guys I have a question that I should probably know the answer to. A friend asked me about this and I told him I didn't know but will find out. I know you need a permit to use the southern most west ramp at la cygne, but what about the other two? Thanks
joefish reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 4:30 AM, CCC-Drew said:Hey guys I have a question that I should probably know the answer to. A friend asked me about this and I told him I didn't know but will find out. I know you need a permit to use the southern most west ramp at la cygne, but what about the other two? Thanks
There are only two boat ramps at Lacygne, North and marina. Don't know about the north ramp but the fee at the Marina is only $2.00 per day and the facilities are much nicer.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 4:36 AM, joefish said:There are only two boat ramps at Lacygne, North and marina. Don't know about the north ramp but the fee at the Marina is only $2.00 per day and the facilities are much nicer.
There's actually 3, 2 in the Linn County portion of the lake and one off 399th st in the river in Miami Co. You have to pay for both of the Linn Co ramps but the one in the river is free. It's $2 a day or $20 a year I believe.
joefish reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 6:16 AM, Bluebasser86 said:There's actually 3, 2 in the Linn County portion of the lake and one off 399th st in the river in Miami Co. You have to pay for both of the Linn Co ramps but the one in the river is free. It's $2 a day or $20 a year I believe.
WOW guess I don't know where the other one in Linn county is. I always used to one at the Marina. It is $2.00 per day.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/23/2012 at 10:34 AM, Wachati said:Curt and I battled the wind today at Melvern, and that is pretty much all we battled. Hard to fish some of the spots we wanted too, bc of the wind and water level has dropped significantly since we last fished there. I did manage to bat for the cycle catching white bass, LM, SM, bluegill, walleye, catfish, and a drum, all on square bills. Picked the wrong lake to try out my new nanofil, broke off on a hook set on first bite. The zebra mussels just tear up any line out there, lots of retying. Highlight of the day....a white bass double-up, or me not falling overboard.
we hit Mervern today and did well. took us about 3 hours to figure the smallies out but in the end we had our way. i do admit the place hasnt been as friendly as the last 5 years.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 7:52 AM, joefish said:WOW guess I don't know where the other one in Linn county is. I always used to one at the Marina. It is $2.00 per day.
You have to drive past the cabins to get to it. It's in the really shallow little cove straight across the lake to the west of the outlet. It's extremely shallow, pretty much have to use the trolling motor to get out of the cove and probably for the first 100 yards out into the lake now with it being so low. Might not even be able to launch a bass boat fromt there. I can launch mine but it doesn't take much water to launch.
kylek reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 9:25 AM, skunked_again said:we hit Mervern today and did well. took us about 3 hours to figure the smallies out but in the end we had our way. i do admit the place hasnt been as friendly as the last 5 years.
Do you mind sharing what you guys used to catch them? How many did u guys end up catching? I am heading down next weekend and want to focus on catching smallies.
skunked_again reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 9:48 AM, kylek said:Do you mind sharing what you guys used to catch them? How many did u guys end up catching? I am heading down next weekend and want to focus on catching smallies.
creature bait plastics fished right on the stained/clean water line in strong wind blown points. 2-5 feet of water. have a shad rap rigged for fish busting on the surface. cranks were for the most part a waste of time otherwise.
Chris S reply :
On 9/24/2012 at 9:46 AM, Bluebasser86 said:You have to drive past the cabins to get to it. It's in the really shallow little cove straight across the lake to the west of the outlet. It's extremely shallow, pretty much have to use the trolling motor to get out of the cove and probably for the first 100 yards out into the lake now with it being so low. Might not even be able to launch a bass boat fromt there. I can launch mine but it doesn't take much water to launch.
Last time I was out it was closed, to shallow.
Doc-Drew reply :
So does anyone know if the north ramp is usable?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/25/2012 at 4:41 AM, CCC-Drew said:So does anyone know if the north ramp is usable?
At 399th st up in the river? If you're talking about that one I launched my boat from it last Wednesday with no problems. It was a huge waste of time going out there though. No shad in the river anywhere and that means no fish in the river anywhere. Then again when the shad move back with the cooler weather the fish will follow so maybe it is better now.
retro basser reply :
Got the truck back yesterday! Think they finally worked all the demons out of the transmission, feels like it could pull a house now... not even breakin a sweat for my old boat.
Of course i had to run it out to the state lake a couple hours for a 'test drive'
Wierd day to be out there. Felt like a front was coming in but the wind was out of the east, bass were flat out hiding, what biting fish I could find were tucked up under logs, the rest were taking cover suspending deep by the dam.. I'm headin out to clinton today on a buddies boat, I hear stories out of clinton, but everywhere has stories... we'll see.
One more thing, couple of the ones I caught out at DGCO had blistered scales on the side and one had a good patch of scales flat out rubbed off. I heard the females will rub on logs during spawn but does that seem normal in the fall?
pbrussell reply :
There are supposed to be 5-6 pound class fish at clinton. However, I hear they are a pain in the A to find.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/26/2012 at 12:52 AM, retro basser said:Got the truck back yesterday! Think they finally worked all the demons out of the transmission, feels like it could pull a house now... not even breakin a sweat for my old boat.
Of course i had to run it out to the state lake a couple hours for a 'test drive'
Wierd day to be out there. Felt like a front was coming in but the wind was out of the east, bass were flat out hiding, what biting fish I could find were tucked up under logs, the rest were taking cover suspending deep by the dam.. I'm headin out to clinton today on a buddies boat, I hear stories out of clinton, but everywhere has stories... we'll see.
One more thing, couple of the ones I caught out at DGCO had blistered scales on the side and one had a good patch of scales flat out rubbed off. I heard the females will rub on logs during spawn but does that seem normal in the fall?
The blisters are probably infections. With the hot water and lack of rain this summer I've seen lots of fish with infections from all the bacteria in the water. The one missing scales probably had a close call with a catfish or blue heron.
On 9/26/2012 at 4:42 AM, pbrussell said:There are supposed to be 5-6 pound class fish at clinton. However, I hear they are a pain in the A to find.
They are there from what I've heard. There's a local tournament trail that fishes out there and it took 21 pounds to win this year, that's a good weight anywhere. Still I've heard it's almost too much work to be worth it.
Wachati reply :
Fished pleasanton east yesterday evening for about an hour and a half. Caught that one on a square bill, it was right around 5. Caught a nice keeper walleye as well. This was my first time fishing there and have to say I liked it a lot.
joefish reply :
Just a question for those of you who have fished the Pleasanton and Mound City lakes, Are the roads to the lakes paved or are they gravel?
I don't like taking my bass boat down dusty gravel roads, but I would like to fish these lakes.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/26/2012 at 9:09 AM, joefish said:Just a question for those of you who have fished the Pleasanton and Mound City lakes, Are the roads to the lakes paved or are they gravel?
I don't like taking my bass boat down dusty gravel roads, but I would like to fish these lakes.
Pleasanton East and Mound City are both gravel roads, West lake has a short piece of gravel road, maybe 100 yards. Pleasanton East lake doesn't have bad gravel road and it's only about a mile but the ramps are just barely a step above a gravel ramp. Mound City is miles of rutted, pothole filled dirt road to the lake.
Met Peter at Pleasanton East after I got off work. Fished it from about 9-2. It was a little slow, seemed like we got them in little flurries. Nothing real big, my biggest was 3.24lbs and tried to swallow my homemade chatterbait.
After making a lap around the lake we decided to head over to Mound City and see if they were biting as good as everyone said they were over there. Started catching them right away and didn't even make it out of the ramp cove before I caught my biggest of the day. It was pretty skinny, probably 20-20.5 inches but only 3.99lbs on a Pit Boss.
Wish we would have had more time to fish Mound, we were flirting with catching a big fish from the timber at the south end but had a couple missed opportunities and just ran out of time.
AllDay reply :
Pleasanton Lake East rocks. Pleasanton West is good for "playing". I'll be back to Mound City again
On 9/26/2012 at 9:02 AM, Wachati said:
Fished pleasanton east yesterday evening for about an hour and a half. Caught that one on a square bill, it was right around 5. Caught a nice keeper walleye as well. This was my first time fishing there and have to say I liked it a lot.
You're drinking the Pleasanton Kool-Aid, nice.
AllDay reply :
I think Pleasanton East is a hidden gem with not much pressure. Pleasanton West is a "playground" for chits & giggles. Mound City is on my long term hit list. Glad to see others having success at Pleasanton East
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/26/2012 at 11:13 PM, AllDay said:I think Pleasanton East is a hidden gem with not much pressure. Pleasanton West is a "playground" for chits & giggles. Mound City is on my long term hit list. Glad to see others having success at Pleasanton East
Pleasanton West actually has bigger fish I think, I've caught them up to 23" out of that little puddle. East has been one of my favorite little lakes for a few years now. It fishes shallow and there's some nice fish so it's right up my ally.
I fished Wabunsee today with Sam (Flash). It was kind of a strange day, we started catching them like they'd never seen a bait, then it slowed down, then it stopped, then we caught them like they'd never seen a bait before again. We both lost a couple good fish, didn't see most of them. Both of us got busted off by a big catfish, about a minute apart. I got the overachiever of the day on a 1/2oz jig, maybe 6".
We caught several smallies, Sam and I both had one around this size.
I got my buzzbait hung on a limb behind one of the docks and when I went to get it I noticed a good fish sitting right on the bank looking towards the bank. I knew it was waiting for something to hop in the water so I tossed a Senko on the bank and plopped it in the water right in front of her and she was all over it. Pretty skinny and looked like she was blind in both eyes but she was the biggest of the day at 4.16.
AllDay reply :
On 9/27/2012 at 9:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Pleasanton West actually has bigger fish I think, I've caught them up to 23" out of that little puddle. East has been one of my favorite little lakes for a few years now. It fishes shallow and there's some nice fish so it's right up my ally.
I fished Wabunsee today with Sam (Flash)...
I'll take your word on Pleasanton West having the bigger fish. This Saturday I'm taking an out of town buddy to East and West and this time I'll boat it in the West instead of taking it on foot. Last time on foot I did lose a couple of big ones on the NE end and it was due to my treble hooks on my crank bait being bent outward. I upgraded the hooks so that doesn't happen again. Pleasanton West, however, has been nothing but a delight for me: first outing - 5.2 lbs; second outing 5.1 lbs and 4.9 lbs and I lost a 6+ lbs as she fought harder and heavier than the 5.1/4.9.
btw, that was a championship sized crappie you had on your 1/2oz jig B-) ...If elephants can eat peanuts then ants can eat apples. Almost on par with my caboose perch I boated at Wyandotte this summer:
Busy reply :
On 9/27/2012 at 9:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I fished Wabunsee today with Sam (Flash). It was kind of a strange day, we started catching them like they'd never seen a bait, then it slowed down, then it stopped, then we caught them like they'd never seen a bait before again. We both lost a couple good fish, didn't see most of them. Both of us got busted off by a big catfish, about a minute apart. I got the overachiever of the day on a 1/2oz jig, maybe 6".
That the same lake as Eskridge? I've heard it's good for catfish and have wanted to fish it for awhile now. Thanks for the report.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/27/2012 at 11:19 PM, Busy said:That the same lake as Eskridge? I've heard it's good for catfish and have wanted to fish it for awhile now. Thanks for the report.
Yep, same lake, and there is some pretty good fishing for channel but especially flatheads, pretty big ones too I've heard . I've also heard they really like bass jigs along with the usual live baits.
Wachati reply :
Oh uh you let the secret out by posting your mix match color trailer on your jigs. Also a little word of advice to AllDay that I'm sure you already know. I wouldn't bother with the west side of west Pleasanton, it was super shallow when I fished it before the drought and I caught 3 people's lines and gave up over there. So many kids and people fish those piers and areas to the west, I don't think it's worth it, unless there is a lucky craft at the end of one of those lines.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 8:52 AM, Wachati said:Oh uh you let the secret out by posting your mix match color trailer on your jigs. Also a little word of advice to AllDay that I'm sure you already know. I wouldn't bother with the west side of west Pleasanton, it was super shallow when I fished it before the drought and I caught 3 people's lines and gave up over there. So many kids and people fish those piers and areas to the west, I don't think it's worth it, unless there is a lucky craft at the end of one of those lines.
I haven't tried it very many places but it seems to be very key to catching fish at Wabunsee for some reason. I catch more and bigger fish out of there with mismatched trailers, usually a craw colored jig and black and blue trailer.
retro basser reply :
Weather patterns have been so wierd this week and the bite was so bad at DGCO and Clintion earlier that I almost didnt go out to Perry yesterday afternoon but i'm sure glad I did. FINALLY that lake paid me back with a good day after so many where I usually don't pull out half as many bass as drums..
Got out about 3 and the evening bite was on right away cause it was so overcast. Ironically it slowed down alot before sunset as the sky cleared, so i just left before dusk. I got more quality bites from keeper bass in those 3 hours than i usually get in a whole day, lost or missed several good fish, but sure did learn alot in the process. Of course i stuck my share too...
This one was the biggest at 21'' even. Threw away my scale because weighing a 5# sack of flour it said 1 pound... I know it was bigger than the 4.5# i landed in spring out there... the jaw was just huge. Got her out of the marina that Blue likes, now I see why..
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 10:50 PM, retro basser said:Weather patterns have been so wierd this week and the bite was so bad at DGCO and Clintion earlier that I almost didnt go out to Perry yesterday afternoon but i'm sure glad I did. FINALLY that lake paid me back with a good day after so many where I usually don't pull out half as many bass as drums..
Got out about 3 and the evening bite was on right away cause it was so overcast. Ironically it slowed down alot before sunset as the sky cleared, so i just left before dusk. I got more quality bites from keeper bass in those 3 hours than i usually get in a whole day, lost or missed several good fish, but sure did learn alot in the process. Of course i stuck my share too...
This one was the biggest at 21'' even. Threw away my scale because weighing a 5# sack of flour it said 1 pound... I know it was bigger than the 4.5# i landed in spring out there... the jaw was just huge. Got her out of the marina that Blue likes, now I see why..
Nice one, what'd you get her one? At 21" she should be 5 pretty easy, maybe even pushing 6 depending on how fat she was. Looks to be pretty thick in the picture.
Hi Salenity reply :
LOVE that carpet!!!On 9/28/2012 at 10:50 PM, retro basser said:Weather patterns have been so wierd this week and the bite was so bad at DGCO and Clintion earlier that I almost didnt go out to Perry yesterday afternoon but i'm sure glad I did. FINALLY that lake paid me back with a good day after so many where I usually don't pull out half as many bass as drums..
Got out about 3 and the evening bite was on right away cause it was so overcast. Ironically it slowed down alot before sunset as the sky cleared, so i just left before dusk. I got more quality bites from keeper bass in those 3 hours than i usually get in a whole day, lost or missed several good fish, but sure did learn alot in the process. Of course i stuck my share too...
This one was the biggest at 21'' even. Threw away my scale because weighing a 5# sack of flour it said 1 pound... I know it was bigger than the 4.5# i landed in spring out there... the jaw was just huge. Got her out of the marina that Blue likes, now I see why..
kylek reply :
My father in law and I hit Watkins Mill up on Saturday. Was another bad showing for that lake. We managed to catch 2 keepers and 2 dinks all on a black buzz bait. There is so much grass that rings the whole lake that is it impossible to fish most ways. We tried spinnerbaits, shallow cranks, t-rig baits and even deeper cranks off some deeper humps that normally produce a couple decent sized fish.
Really looking forward to the Big Bass Bash next weekend at LOZ. Sure would be nice to come back next week and post a picture of a big bass that won me the 60k first prize
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 7:32 AM, kylek said:My father in law and I hit Watkins Mill up on Saturday. Was another bad showing for that lake. We managed to catch 2 keepers and 2 dinks all on a black buzz bait. There is so much grass that rings the whole lake that is it impossible to fish most ways. We tried spinnerbaits, shallow cranks, t-rig baits and even deeper cranks off some deeper humps that normally produce a couple decent sized fish.
Really looking forward to the Big Bass Bash next weekend at LOZ. Sure would be nice to come back next week and post a picture of a big bass that won me the 60k first prize
Good luck! Wish I'd known about it sooner, I'd probably would have tried to make it down there for that. Might have to go next year.
joefish reply :
Fished some private strip pits Saturday in southern MO. Quantity was AWSOME, Quality could have been better. Tons of 12 to 15 inch bass, did stick one that went 4# and a few 13" crappie that hit bass jigs.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 10:35 AM, joefish said:Fished some private strip pits Saturday in southern MO. Quantity was AWSOME, Quality could have been better. Tons of 12 to 15 inch bass, did stick one that went 4# and a few 13" crappie that hit bass jigs.
That's a big ol' crappie! Most of the pits I've ever fished are the same way, lots of fish but the big ones are few and far between.
retro basser reply :
On 9/29/2012 at 7:57 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Nice one, what'd you get her one? At 21" she should be 5 pretty easy, maybe even pushing 6 depending on how fat she was. Looks to be pretty thick in the picture.
It was big enough that i thought it might be a 7lber at the time... once i calmed down, i realized it was more like 5-6. I got her along the far back wall of the marina not too far from the last cable block. I stuck another very heavy one that was fighting like a smallie near the other cable on that back wall, the line stopped and then I felt and heard a vibration through the line that sounded like someone using a wood file.. on the fourth creak the bugger busted my line on the cable... like I said, I learned alot that day...
On 9/29/2012 at 8:05 AM, Hi Salenity said:LOVE that carpet!!!
See! It grows on ya... You should bring up that color combo to your next clients
I'm going on a multi-lake bass bender to see if i can blow out the transmission on the truck again now that I finally got it back Bout time I get to try out some of these sweet southern lakes you guys have been talking about. Hopefully i'll have some good reports later this week..
AllDay reply :
On 9/28/2012 at 8:52 AM, Wachati said:Also a little word of advice to AllDay that I'm sure you already know. I wouldn't bother with the west side of west Pleasanton, it was super shallow when I fished it before the drought and I caught 3 people's lines and gave up over there. So many kids and people fish those piers and areas to the west, I don't think it's worth it, unless there is a lucky craft at the end of one of those lines.
I agree that the west side is a waste of time. More pressure there and its not deep throughout. The east side is where it's at.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/2/2012 at 1:30 AM, retro basser said:It was big enough that i thought it might be a 7lber at the time... once i calmed down, i realized it was more like 5-6. I got her along the far back wall of the marina not too far from the last cable block. I stuck another very heavy one that was fighting like a smallie near the other cable on that back wall, the line stopped and then I felt and heard a vibration through the line that sounded like someone using a wood file.. on the fourth creak the bugger busted my line on the cable... like I said, I learned alot that day...
See! It grows on ya... You should bring up that color combo to your next clients
I'm going on a multi-lake bass bender to see if i can blow out the transmission on the truck again now that I finally got it back
I lost a pig to those cables a few years ago. I would have made a conservative guess of 8lbs but it was probably a pound or two heavier than that. With those cables being suspended in the water off the bank a little ways if a big fish wants to get to them it's pretty hard to stop them and once they get there is all but impossible to get them back out. At least that lake finally rewarded you with the fish it is capable of kicking out. To top it off I've heard nothing but bad reports coming from that lake so you must have really been onto something
Chris S reply :
On 10/1/2012 at 10:35 AM, joefish said:Fished some private strip pits Saturday in southern MO. Quantity was AWSOME, Quality could have been better. Tons of 12 to 15 inch bass, did stick one that went 4# and a few 13" crappie that hit bass jigs.
Nice!!!
retro basser reply :
Just got back from an overnighter down south to check out Mound City and Pleasanton lakes... Loved the lakes, but man the fishing was SLOW. I didn't see a single cloud in the sky both days..it was as bluebird as it gets. It was nice to have it so calm out when the water level is so insanely low, but damm hard to buy a bite. They wouldnt hit a moving bait anywhere so the best I could figure out was to deadstick plastics on the bottom and just twitch em then and again. It was agonizingly slow... and so hard when your on new water and you want to try the whole lake.
I really dug Mound City and the geography around there. A Bald Eagle had taken up residence there and by 'there' I mean he owned the entire friggin lake. If anything with wings came flying in: hawk, heron, you name it, the eagle convinced them quickly that there was a lake somewhere else that they better go find...
The fish were still sticking deep, in the mouths of coves and dams in all 3 locations. I bet after this weekend they'll start marching up though..
Most of this vegetation was dying out, but there were some green spots that seemed to be holding fish. Any of you ever pattern vegetation?
AllDay reply :
A buddy and I will hit up Leavenworth this evening for a couple hours. If anyone has general areas to share such as fishing the NW or NE arm it's appeciated! It'll be a first time outing for me at this lake.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/5/2012 at 2:05 AM, AllDay said:A buddy and I will hit up Leavenworth this evening for a couple hours. If anyone has general areas to share such as fishing the NW or NE arm it's appeciated! It'll be a first time outing for me at this lake.
Squarebill cranks pretty much anywhere except the dam are what I used to catch most of my fish on out there. You may have to mess with colors a bit, they seem to be kind of picky sometimes. Fishing them over the tops of the grass out in the middle of the backs of the two arms should be getting pretty good by now.
AllDay reply :
On 10/5/2012 at 2:12 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Squarebill cranks pretty much anywhere except the dam are what I used to catch most of my fish on out there. You may have to mess with colors a bit, they seem to be kind of picky sometimes. Fishing them over the tops of the grass out in the middle of the backs of the two arms should be getting pretty good by now.
Very good thank you! squarebill cranks are what I'm all about. I may break out my super spook for grins. Thanks again.
Busy reply :
I live about 5 minutes from there. We fish the second cove in the NW arm by where the feeder is. I would agree with cranks, although its not my strong area AT ALL. Have mainly caught a bunch of dinks in that lake with shallow running cranks (2-5'). Be careful going east from the feeder, there is a tree just under water ~30-40' from shore that you could hit the limbs on (wouldn't be an issue if the lake wasn't so slow) and the water is muddy. Most of the good fish I catch from there come from spot fishing deeper water in either of the arms (10-15') with jigs or senkos. Chartreuse senkos or dirty craw jigs are my personal choice.
In the NE arm, on the North end of it there are some brush piles that can be productive. All the brush they put down this year I think is still above the water!
AllDay reply :
On 10/5/2012 at 3:43 AM, Busy said:I live about 5 minutes from there. We fish the second cove in the NW arm by where the feeder is. I would agree with cranks, although its not my strong area AT ALL. Have mainly caught a bunch of dinks in that lake with shallow running cranks (2-5'). Be careful going east from the feeder, there is a tree just under water ~30-40' from shore that you could hit the limbs on (wouldn't be an issue if the lake wasn't so slow) and the water is muddy. Most of the good fish I catch from there come from spot fishing deeper water in either of the arms (10-15') with jigs or senkos. Chartreuse senkos or dirty craw jigs are my personal choice.
In the NE arm, on the North end of it there are some brush piles that can be productive. All the brush they put down this year I think is still above the water!
Thanks for the tips!
Busy reply :
On 10/5/2012 at 5:09 AM, AllDay said:Thanks for the tips!
How was it?
AllDay reply :
On 10/6/2012 at 2:57 AM, Busy said:How was it?
I'm definitely going back. We started on the main lake point and decided to tackle the NE arm b/c we arrived at 6:30PM and had about an hour until nightfall. They were biting off of my white w/ sky blue backbone crank bait and my friend Walt threw a 5" green pumpkin Gulp worm and he had many bites. We landed 15 bass between 8"-12" but Walt boated a nice 3.5 lbs'er near the main point as we headed in to the NE cove:
When nightfall arrived I'll have to say I've never seen so many cruising bass. In fact over 5 times the bass slammed into the boat as they chased shad. We switched over to shad colored shallow diving cranks and tossed them into areas where the bass were circling the wagons slamming the shad. We boated 6 more until we packed it up and left for the night. Very nice first outing for me at Leavenworth!!!
retro basser reply :
On 10/6/2012 at 3:47 PM, AllDay said:I'm definitely going back. We started on the main lake point and decided to tackle the NE arm b/c we arrived at 6:30PM and had about an hour until nightfall. They were biting off of my white w/ sky blue backbone crank bait and my friend Walt threw a 5" green pumpkin Gulp worm and he had many bites. We landed 15 bass between 8"-12" but Walt boated a nice 3.5 lbs'er near the main point as we headed in to the NE cove:
When nightfall arrived I'll have to say I've never seen so many cruising bass. In fact over 5 times the bass slammed into the boat as they chased shad. We switched over to shad colored shallow diving cranks and tossed them into areas where the bass were circling the wagons slamming the shad. We boated 6 more until we packed it up and left for the night. Very nice first outing for me at Leavenworth!!!
That's awesome. Leavenworth might be the one lake that gained water level this season.
How's that ramp doing? I have a 17' boat and always assumed the trailer would probably roll off the bottom of the ramp If i tried to boat it this year...
retro basser reply :
I'm planning to roll out to Shawnee State fishing lake NW of Topeka this week. Never been before... anyone have a scouting report?
skunked_again reply :
Olathe Lake is really good right now.caught fish all day.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 10/7/2012 at 5:18 AM, skunked_again said:Olathe Lake is really good right now.caught fish all day.
If you don't mind me asking, where do you fish when you go to Olathe? I have fished it a few times and never caught all that many bass.
skunked_again reply :
On 10/7/2012 at 8:30 AM, CCC-Drew said:If you don't mind me asking, where do you fish when you go to Olathe? I have fished it a few times and never caught all that many bass.
today it was lake wide. the best fish came from the sunken brush and grass out in the middle of the south end.
a lot of those.
Busy reply :
On 10/6/2012 at 10:52 PM, retro basser said:That's awesome. Leavenworth might be the one lake that gained water level this season.
How's that ramp doing? I have a 17' boat and always assumed the trailer would probably roll off the bottom of the ramp If i tried to boat it this year...
I think the lake has maintained its level ok.
Your trailer tires will probably not be on the ramp but it should be ok on the ramp that is open. The open ramp goes from concrete to rocks but the "drop-off" should be further out. Just go slowly and be sure to double-check! I have seen a few glass boats with big motors wreck props leaving the ramp this year, but haven't seent people with aluminum boats that require less water have trouble. I did hit a rock myself but it didn't damage anything. Forgot to go straight back! There isn't room to maneuver there that's for sure.
Bluebasser86 reply :
If you go out on Leavenworth use the south ramp and go straight back. My dad and I had no problems getting our boats on the water out there but the north ramp has a huge drop off, I'll probably never use that side of the ramp again after seeing how far it drops off.
Busy reply :
Yup the north ramp has been blocked off by a cone all year. It would be un-wise to ignore it!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'll be at Olathe Tuesday morning after work at about 8:15 fishing until about noon if anyone is interested I'll have an empty back seat.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Olathe for about 4 hours this morning. Bite was pretty good just the size was not there. I caught 17 but only 2 over 15". I also had a 17" saugeye on a DT10 that I turned loose before I found out the length limit was 15" It's 18 everywhere else I fish so I just figured it was the same out there. I guess I'll know next time.
retro basser reply :
Made the trip out to Shawnee State Fishing Lake which is about 15 minutes NW of Topeka today.. had the exact opposite bite: 2 bites all day, but both went over 4lbs I lost one but he didnt spit it on the first jump... he got me by racing in straight back on my hands and knocking free somewhere before I could catch up to him. Oh well, Live and learn..
That cold front made it pretty miserable to be on the water but aside from that the lake is a gem. It's an easy drive, a well maintained lake, and big bass are in there. 57 degree water temps main lake up there!
pbrussell reply :
Ugh. Talking about the cold just makes me sick. This season has gone by way too fast. Oh well.
Nice catch.
retro basser reply :
On 10/10/2012 at 9:52 AM, pbrussell said:Ugh. Talking about the cold just makes me sick. This season has gone by way too fast. Oh well.
Nice catch.
No kiddin, especially the fall. Feels like that stretch of 110 days was just a couple weeks ago..
The good news is the fat girls are up shallow and feedin. It's like a golden corral on ladies night
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/10/2012 at 9:23 AM, retro basser said:Made the trip out to Shawnee State Fishing Lake which is about 15 minutes NW of Topeka today.. had the exact opposite bite: 2 bites all day, but both went over 4lbs
That cold front made it pretty miserable to be on the water but aside from that the lake is a gem. It's an easy drive, a well maintained lake, and big bass are in there. 57 degree water temps main lake up there!
I fished that lake once and did so poorly I swore I'd never go back. The fact I had to change a flat truck tire in a downpour with no raingear probably heavily affected that decision but now I've seen 2 good reports from that lake that have me rethinking that decision. That fish looks extremely tall for some reason, almost rectangle shaped. I think we had our best luck towards the north end of the lake, where did you get your 2 bites?
retro basser reply :
On 10/13/2012 at 12:11 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I fished that lake once and did so poorly I swore I'd never go back. The fact I had to change a flat truck tire in a downpour with no raingear probably heavily affected that decision but now I've seen 2 good reports from that lake that have me rethinking that decision. That fish looks extremely tall for some reason, almost rectangle shaped. I think we had our best luck towards the north end of the lake, where did you get your 2 bites?
Both were on the west side, main channel, north of the last cove on small rocky points.
Thing i liked about it most is the water level wasn't as horribly low as some I've been to. There was a pretty consistent 5ft depth all the way around the lake from which to work. Of course all the good cover is above water, but at least you're not running the trolling motor into the ground all day.
retro basser reply :
Had a real nice day out at Lonestar on Thursday morning. There was a big low pressure system coming in and the winds were from the SW and they were finally hitting a moving bait. Cranks early in the morning and when a cloud would go overhead a white spinnerbait was killin the big ones, especially on the fall.
What I really like about that lake is that it has more variety of structure to fish than almost any lake i've been to. Dam, Dock, Points, Submerged timber, there's even a good amount of grass still alive. You can throw alot of techniques at the lake and fish the whole thing nearly in a day.
I caught three 15in keepers with the biggest approaching 3 pounds so you got a chance of getting into one. The big one just absolutely destroyed a spinner on a fall next to some deeper timber and tried to run to mexico. There was no way to mess up that hookset. It was great.
Check em out:
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'll probably have to fish Lonestar again once we move to Gardner, won't be too far of a drive again then. I used to fish that lake a bunch and caught some pretty nice ones out of it.
cbass12 reply :
On 10/14/2012 at 7:29 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I'll probably have to fish Lonestar again once we move to Gardner, won't be too far of a drive again then. I used to fish that lake a bunch and caught some pretty nice ones out of it.
If you EVER move to gardner...........
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/15/2012 at 8:11 AM, cbass12 said:If you EVER move to gardner...........
Supposed to happen this Wednesday. Our agent says we'll be signing our papers at 2pm Wednesday so I'll be packing and moving all our stuff on my days off this week.
Wachati reply :
Hit Pleasanton and Miami today. I went to try out the new trolling motor so it's good to go on Saturday, and that's what I ended up doing all day, just riding around. Had one bite the whole day, and broke off on the set. When I pulled up bassresource tonight, the video "Secrets to bass fishing success", came up. I guess I should of watched that before I left today. I have never had a day that bad, it was really frustrating. There was one other boat on Miami, and I didn't see them get anything either, it was like the twilight zone.
Busy reply :
Retro and I hit Perry today. The water was like glass and we had bluebird skies. He landed a few good LMB and a drum; I got skunked and missed a few. Had the day off today & couldn't take not catching a fish so I hit up LV this evening & finally hooked up with one but missed a few others! Not sure why I couldn't connect with them lol.
joefish reply :
Fished Perry today, 
was an awesome day on the lake. Mirror water and bluebired sky. I was after crappie instead of bass. Caught quite a few but couldn't stretch any of them enough to make 10 inches.
Caught a couple nice drum. 
Bluebasser86 reply :
I feel like I was the only one that didn't go fishing today I actually went to the Kansas River at 435 and tossed the throw net to see if the shad were up there yet. Not many shad but I did get a big surprised in the form of a 13" largemouth in my net 
I caught one about 4lbs out of Mill Creek a mile away from where it runs into the river and have caught a bunch in Mill Creek off Shawnee Mission and Barker but I was really surprised to see one in the main river. I had a bunch of whites and wipers end up in my net though, some nice ones too. Think I might have to take a couple traps or swimbaits down there in the morning and see if any of them will bite before I start my moving marathon.
AllDay reply :
On 10/13/2012 at 10:20 PM, retro basser said:Had a real nice day out at Lonestar on Thursday morning.
Nice catches. It's been over 20 years since I've fished Lonestar. I'll put that on my list of to-fish!
AllDay reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 1:37 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I actually went to the Kansas River at 435 and tossed the throw net
I've never fished the KS River before - looks like it could be interesting. So right there on 435 eh? Are the banks walkable?
AllDay reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 10:50 AM, Busy said:Had the day off today & couldn't take not catching a fish so I hit up LV this evening & finally hooked up with one but missed a few others! Not sure why I couldn't connect with them lol.
Saturday is redemption man, have faith!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 2:13 PM, AllDay said:I've never fished the KS River before - looks like it could be interesting. So right there on 435 eh? Are the banks walkable?
You can walk a pretty good portion of the north side of the river. Can't fish the south side because of the railroad tracks. I've considered fishing for bass in Mill Creek where it runs into the river and back into the creek as far as I can get my boat but haven't ever done it. I've caught a few bass fishing for catfish or wipers in there and there is a lot of laydowns and some rocky areas but just haven't ever gotten the nerve to try it. The 4 pounder I caught up there was really healthy looking though and very strong. The one I caught in my net today was directly below the dam in a slack water area where there was a lot of minnows visible.
Chris S reply :
Fished Olathe Lake Monday and the Whipers won! Did manage a chunky LMB on a crankbait in about 10 feet of water.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well after getting all those whites and wipers in my throw net on the river yesterday I decided to take a break from packing today and see if any of them would bite. They were still there and they were hungry! I caught somewhere around 12-15 of them that all look just like this one.
I caught a few really nice whites to go along with those wipers plus a couple healthy channel cats that ate some cut shad while I was casting for wipers. The high point of the day happened right before I was going to leave. I switched to a 4" Storm swimbait and launched it as far as I could. My retrieve was perfect with the current and my bait swirled around the upcurrent side of a big boulder and into an eddy and bam! Wasn't sure what it was for a long time in the fight. I was fishing a 6' 8" Mojo spinning rod with 12lb Nanofil and a 14lb leader so I was getting a workout in that current! managed to steer her around my catfish lines and out of the current and finally got a hold of it. My pictures didn't really do it justice, hard to get good ones by yourself. She was about 25 inches and 18 inches around. I didn't have a scale but the fish calculator on here puts it at just over 11lbs. I was guessing between 10 and 11 so that's probably pretty close. A really pretty fish and just not something you expect to see out of that dirty river.
retro basser reply :
On 10/16/2012 at 9:51 AM, Wachati said:Hit Pleasanton and Miami today. I went to try out the new trolling motor so it's good to go on Saturday, and that's what I ended up doing all day, just riding around. Had one bite the whole day, and broke off on the set. When I pulled up bassresource tonight, the video "Secrets to bass fishing success", came up. I guess I should of watched that before I left today. I have never had a day that bad, it was really frustrating. There was one other boat on Miami, and I didn't see them get anything either, it was like the twilight zone.
That was a rough bluebird day allright. Good thing is the pigs eat in any weather during the fall so your breakoff was probably a monster... you must have done something right...
I'm glad Jeff (Busy) got one up up at leavenworth cause Perry was pretty tough in my opinion..
On 10/17/2012 at 2:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:She was about 25 inches and 18 inches around. I didn't have a scale but the fish calculator on here puts it at just over 11lbs. I was guessing between 10 and 11 so that's probably pretty close. A really pretty fish and just not something you expect to see out of that dirty river.
I'm no moving expert but i think packing wipers in moving boxes is gonna make a stink after a few days...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/17/2012 at 11:38 PM, retro basser said:That was a rough bluebird day allright. Good thing is the pigs eat in any weather during the fall so your breakoff was probably a monster... you must have done something right...
I'm glad Jeff (Busy) got one up up at leavenworth cause Perry was pretty tough in my opinion..
I'm no moving expert but i think packing wipers in moving boxes is gonna make a stink after a few days...
Yeah the wife probably wouldn't be too happy either. She had her days mixed up so our closing day is actually tomorrow the 18th, she thought the 18th was this Wednesday so I had plenty of time to get stuff packed up. So much time in fact that Chris Schauer and I went back down there today to try it again Unfortunately there was a guy already camped on the spot I was catching them at yesterday with a stringer of white bass. Didn't catch as many as I did yesterday but we still did alright. I caught the biggest wiper of the day on one of my first cast with a swimbait. She slammed it!
Scale said 4.68 but I sure thought she looked bigger.
Chris probably had big fish honors of the day, he had a couple really nice drum on a spoon
Hi Salenity reply :
Go Chris!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
I don't know if anyone will be interested in this but I thought I'd just throw it out there. Basshunter0731 (Jon) and I will be taking a trip to the White River/Bull Shoals in Arkansas the first week of April (1st-5th). We did this trip last year and had a blast. We fished the river in the morning and evening, throwing jerkbaits for big brown trout (someone caught a 36 pound brown about a month ago I believe) and then fishing Bull for all 3 species of bass, monster stripers and white bass, and some of the thickest walleye I've ever seen. The fishing on the White is very visual, you can see the fish chasing your jerkbait and we watched most of our fish hit the bait, just about as much fun watching them slash and miss it as it was when they connected. Last year at Bull they were killing the A-rig (you can fish the 5 arm in Arkansas) and we caught about everything on it along with some fish on jerkbaits, shakyheads, and jigs. We're camping right below the Bull Shoals dam on the White River, it's about 5 minutes to have the boat on the water at either body of water. It's about $16 a night to camp with electricity so you can put a space heater in your tent or run electric blankets so you don't get cold at night (average lows are in the mid 40's for the area that time of year with average highs in the high 60's) so it should be pretty nice weather. It looks like a very nice camp ground, or there's plenty of lodges around, we're just trying to do it for as cheap as possible. There's some other guys on the forum that fish the White every year and love it. Here's some pics in case you're interested. If anyone is interested in making the trip shoot me a PM or just post on here and I'll answer any questions or try to get any info I can, I don't think you'll be disappointed if you make the trip
retro basser reply :
On 10/22/2012 at 2:37 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I don't know if anyone will be interested in this but I thought I'd just throw it out there. Basshunter0731 (Jon) and I will be taking a trip to the White River/Bull Shoals in Arkansas the first week of April (1st-5th). We did this trip last year and had a blast. We fished the river in the morning and evening, throwing jerkbaits for big brown trout (someone caught a 36 pound brown about a month ago I believe) and then fishing Bull for all 3 species of bass, monster stripers and white bass, and some of the thickest walleye I've ever seen. The fishing on the White is very visual, you can see the fish chasing your jerkbait and we watched most of our fish hit the bait, just about as much fun watching them slash and miss it as it was when they connected. Last year at Bull they were killing the A-rig (you can fish the 5 arm in Arkansas) and we caught about everything on it along with some fish on jerkbaits, shakyheads, and jigs. We're camping right below the Bull Shoals dam on the White River, it's about 5 minutes to have the boat on the water at either body of water. It's about $16 a night to camp with electricity so you can put a space heater in your tent or run electric blankets so you don't get cold at night (average lows are in the mid 40's for the area that time of year with average highs in the high 60's) so it should be pretty nice weather. It looks like a very nice camp ground, or there's plenty of lodges around, we're just trying to do it for as cheap as possible. There's some other guys on the forum that fish the White every year and love it. Here's some pics in case you're interested. If anyone is interested in making the trip shoot me a PM or just post on here and I'll answer any questions or try to get any info I can, I don't think you'll be disappointed if you make the trip
Looks like a great spot to go. 320 miles isnt as far as I thought it would be but still way to far for my old rig.
Shoot mid 40's are hot if you got a good sleeping bag. Bet it will be a blast!
retro basser reply :
Did the atchison run monday eve/ tuesday morning. I wasn't too impressed with Warnock despite pulling a 2 pounder out of a brushpile on my 3rd cast. Wind was coming in brutal and the were mostly just hiding down in the channel by the (damm) dam so i didnt stay long at all and just went to town for some dinner.
Atchison was great again, this was my second time this year, both times I'm the only boat on the lake and caught 20+ bass. Which is pretty much exactly all i ask for I didn't land anything of great size but i know there are in there. I've never seen so many 5lbers jump within feet of my boat. I really regret running with my dock light on pre-dawn because 4 fatties jumped basically 30 feet in every direction surrounding my boat, you could hear from the smack they were landing fat side on purpose just to make noise to warn the others. Maybe i'm over thinking it but i think on these small lakes on a still morning, stealth is just so frigging important.
Anyways it was real good up there I caught fish on jigs, cranks, and once i patterned the jerkbait bite: senkos, flukes, and stickbaits. The only thing i devoted any time to that wasn't working was a spinnerbait, but thats easy to forgive when everything else works
The jerk-jerk-pause pattern was MONEY but i couldn't get any of the fatties to bite it. What do you tie on when a 5-in senko or rogue isnt big enough?
I couldnt get em much bigger than this to bite, 16in on a 5in rogue:
Overachiever of the day, thats only a 3/0 hook, set through both sides of his jaw like you would string up a line of em..
That sweet new cabin that they rent out up there. Think were gonna do an easy family vacation up there in the spring.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Was going to hit a local lake today, but after seeing all the Bronzebacks in the MeetUp thread, I wanna head to Melvern Sunday. Ill be in a orange kayak SO DONT RUN OVER ME!!! Stop by and say hey.
Hi Salenity reply :
I hope its not windyOn 10/25/2012 at 2:49 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Was going to hit a local lake today, but after seeing all the Bronzebacks in the MeetUp thread, I wanna head to Melvern Sunday. Ill be in a orange kayak SO DONT RUN OVER ME!!! Stop by and say hey.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
5 with 8mph gusts is forecasted. But I know to not trust forecasts in KS.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/24/2012 at 9:24 PM, retro basser said:Looks like a great spot to go. 320 miles isnt as far as I thought it would be but still way to far for my old rig.
Shoot mid 40's are hot if you got a good sleeping bag. Bet it will be a blast!
It actually kind of requires a smaller boat, at least one that doesn't need much water to float. A lot of the White is shallow and a strong, dependable trolling motor is a must a long with a dependable gas motor. Renting a jon boat to float the river then using your normal rig on Bull Shoals would work well or if someone just wanted to go fish the lakes you'd be fine. Last time we took my boat and it worked fine but we were limited to what water we could fish/get to on the river. This time we'll be taking Jon's boat with a jet motor so we should be able to get to a little more of the river. I have no doubt it will be a blast again this time. I'm hoping for a big brown on the river then a nice striper on the lake. I finally got to cross the brown trout off my hit list last time, even caught a nice keeper sized one, but I honestly can't say for sure I've ever caught a striper so they'll be in the cross hairs big time this trip
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I wish I would have tried to get ahold of a couple more of you guys to see if anyone wanted to go with me Wednesday but with the wind the way it was supposed to be I decided I didn't want to drag anyone else out in it, should have tried harder. I started the day at Bourban State Lake and spent the last hour at Richmond City Lake. Bourban is a great little lake if you want to just go catch a ton of fish or take some kids fishing because they will hit just about anything. Now they have the road coming in from the west paved until the last mile too so it isn't as rough getting to. I caught 100 at BSL before heading to Richmond and catching 6 more with a much better average size. Had a pretty good mix of largemouth and spots at Bourban on a bunch of different baits, with a squarebill, trap, chatterbait, jig, and shakyhead doing most of the damage. Of all those bass I only caught 1 that was a for sure keeper over 15", thought it might have been my biggest of the year when I first saw her. I pulled one of my chatterbaits through a brushpile at the south end and my line just went slack. She rolled on the top at the hookset and I saw a big white belly, thought I had a catfish at first. When that big head and mouth wallowed on the top she looked huge, I thought she might go 7. Once I got a hold of her I knew I'd over estimated her a bit but at 21.5" and 5.68lbs I can't complain. She was fish number 69 of the day.
She had a 8-10 inch spotted bass sticking out of her throat, made me wish I'd thrown the 6" swimbait I had tied on at her first, oh well, first good fish on one of my new LTB rods and my Lew's reel
One of my bigger spots I caught, fish number 99.
I may have only caught 6 at Richmond but at least I made a couple of them count. Didn't measure or weigh either of them but both very solid fish. I missed the first one 3 times before finally connecting on her.
This one was in the middle of the brushpile in the background and she must have hit my jig and just started swimming laps around one of the limbs because she was all kinds of wrapped up, thankfully I was able to reach her and pull her out.
.
retro basser reply :
Heck ya!... nice trip.
Day three of a sustained warm SW wind... I think I like that for fall bassin.
When do you expect the floor to fall out of this thing? With this cold snap i'm thinkin it might slow em down for the year.. I went into late november last year but i'm not sure i'm gonna this season..
pbrussell reply :
Yup. It's cold. I'm thinking of heading to melvern again tomorrow with my brother. I'm not really looking forward to freezing. I'm not really looking forward to light winds and clear skies either. It's gonna make things tough. But, at least the sun and lack of wind will provide a little warmth.
pbrussell reply :
Well my brother and I whacked em pretty good today at melvern. Bite was crazy at the dam... whodda thunk?
Anyhow, here's some of the better/prettier fish we caught today.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Nice fish.... im planning on going tomorrow, what kind of presentations were working?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/28/2012 at 7:06 AM, pbrussell said:Well my brother and I whacked em pretty good today at melvern. Bite was crazy at the dam... whodda thunk?
Anyhow, here's some of the better/prettier fish we caught today.
That one on the far right is a good looking fish, probably 16.5-17 inches I'd guess.
sizzlefry40 reply :
Nice ones Russell
pbrussell reply :
On 10/28/2012 at 10:07 AM, Bluebasser86 said:That one on the far right is a good looking fish, probably 16.5-17 inches I'd guess.
Yeah, it was the longest fish of the day I think, but the fish on the far left had a much better frame and was probably just as heavy if not heavier.
pbrussell reply :
On 10/28/2012 at 7:41 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Nice fish.... im planning on going tomorrow, what kind of presentations were working?
The ned rig. However, if you get some clouds dont hesitate to throw a spinnerbait.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Lucky for me, I scrounged all over Wichita and found the components I needed for the Ned. Gander Mt don't sell Zinkerz, but they did have some 1/16oz jigheads, as well as some 3/32 Mushroom looking ones by VMC, but the hooks are a bit big IMO, so I will try and see, if not, I have some 3/32 Sickles that a friend poured for me,
Then Zeiners had NADA, then finally, Cabelas has the ZMans. So we will see.
Might even try a Tiny Torpedo early morning to see of a topwater bite is going.
Anyone tried Dropshotting a 2.5" Zinkers on a #1 hook? Might have to try that to see how it fairs.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/28/2012 at 11:17 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Lucky for me, I scrounged all over Wichita and found the components I needed for the Ned. Gander Mt don't sell Zinkerz, but they did have some 1/16oz jigheads, as well as some 3/32 Mushroom looking ones by VMC, but the hooks are a bit big IMO, so I will try and see, if not, I have some 3/32 Sickles that a friend poured for me,
Then Zeiners had NADA, then finally, Cabelas has the ZMans. So we will see.
Might even try a Tiny Torpedo early morning to see of a topwater bite is going.
Anyone tried Dropshotting a 2.5" Zinkers on a #1 hook? Might have to try that to see how it fairs.
Did not have any luck with a drop shot last time I tried. I didn't try a zinker but they didn't want a Zoom Meathead or finesse worm. Like PB said if you get some clouds don't shy away from a spinnerbait even if it's cold out. A small hook seems to be kind of key for the Ned Rig to be effective, I think bigger hooks must keep the bait too rigid to do whatever the ned rig does that makes it so irresistable.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
15 fish for the day. Mixed bag. Smallies, few Whites, couple Drum, and a Channel.
Picked a couple on Dropshot Zinkerz. Need more work on "The Ned" though.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
well me and triton went to fortscott today instead of melvern for a differnt view. we didnt do good on the dam only 3 i think and we fish all down the east side picking up a couple dinks along the way until they started to eat a jig pretty well. did decent for a little bit. we fished til 2pm and decided to go to little p or pleasanton west and to our luck it was in turn over lol. maybe 2 inchs of clearity and we worked real hard and triton finally got a nice one about 3lbs and faught like a 5lber and we worked some more but no luck i think i had 2 bites and no fish and he had like 3 bits and only the one. not to fun when u fight those conditions but we got out and got to fish so thats all that counts!
joefish reply :
Did not get on the water this weekend, Grandkids games to watch on Saturday then trip to Wichita Sunday to visit family.
Hope to install Troll-Eze recessed trolling motor control tray tomorrow. Then Get out for a couple days this week.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Few pics from today...
Doc-Drew reply :
My fiancée and I made it out to melvern today. Action wasn't fast but we caught some nice ones. I will post some pictures later but Elizabeth definitely had the better day. She had two that measured 17 3/4" and one that measured 17 1/4". All the fish we caught were on the Ned rig except for one 15" white that nailed a small squarebill.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Drew, where were y'all? I was going up the dam from S to N. I saw a boat over by the Cour d'Alene campground where you caught that big one.
pbrussell reply :
On 10/29/2012 at 10:19 AM, CCC-Drew said:My fiancée and I made it out to melvern today. Action wasn't fast but we caught some nice ones. I will post some pictures later but Elizabeth definitely had the better day. She had two that measured 17 3/4" and one that measured 17 1/4". All the fish we caught were on the Ned rig except for one 15" white that nailed a small squarebill.
Way to go. I know I had one every bit of that size on but it straightened out my hook on my ned rig. Which now leads me to my next question. What jigheads are you guys using and where are you getting them? I know the ned rig isn't necessarily the most ideal rig for bigger fish, but when that's all they bite you might have a chance of getting into a big one. I don't really want to straighten out my hook again on a bigger fish 
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/29/2012 at 11:24 PM, pbrussell said:Way to go. I know I had one every bit of that size on but it straightened out my hook on my ned rig. Which now leads me to my next question. What jigheads are you guys using and where are you getting them? I know the ned rig isn't necessarily the most ideal rig for bigger fish, but when that's all they bite you might have a chance of getting into a big one. I don't really want to straighten out my hook again on a bigger fish
I use the 1/16oz Bass Pro Shops brand ballheads. I've used them to catch smallies over 3, largemouth over 6, drum and catfish over 10lbs, and I have yet to straighten a hook. What rod and line are you using and how tight are you setting your drag? I fish mine on a 6' 10" ML/F rod with 8lb Nanofil and a short 10lb fluoro leader. It doesn't take much of a hookset either, just reeling and a quick jerk does fine. If you set the hook like you do with a shakyhead it starts to bend the hook just fron the hookset. I set my drag so it slips a little just from the hookset and then gives line pretty easily if a fish tries to run. It's a small hook so you have to kind of set stuff up to baby big fish in.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 10/29/2012 at 11:34 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Drew, where were y'all? I was going up the dam from S to N. I saw a boat over by the Cour d'Alene campground where you caught that big one.
We started out by the dam and then moved west after that. Chances are that we never crossed paths because I don't remember seeing a kayak when we were near the dam. And Blake, I had the same problem yesterday. One of our larger fish we had made a run and my drag went peeling off and then the hook just came out. Just like you said, the hook was straightened. I am going to try to get a custom jig mold to make mushroom jigs like the gopher jigs.
pbrussell reply :
On 10/29/2012 at 11:45 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I use the 1/16oz Bass Pro Shops brand ballheads. I've used them to catch smallies over 3, largemouth over 6, drum and catfish over 10lbs, and I have yet to straighten a hook. What rod and line are you using and how tight are you setting your drag? I fish mine on a 6' 10" ML/F rod with 8lb Nanofil and a short 10lb fluoro leader. It doesn't take much of a hookset either, just reeling and a quick jerk does fine. If you set the hook like you do with a shakyhead it starts to bend the hook just fron the hookset. I set my drag so it slips a little just from the hookset and then gives line pretty easily if a fish tries to run. It's a small hook so you have to kind of set stuff up to baby big fish in.
Perhaps that was part of my problem. I was using a heavier rod (my brother was using the lighter rod at the time) and didn't have my drag set to where it would slip. I don't think the hook straightened on the hookset but did on the fishes first run. Didn't have any problem on my spinning setup.
Doc-Drew reply :
Here are some pictures of the 3 biggest we caught. The first she caught was a FAT 17 1/4"
The next was a 17 3/4"
Followed by another 17 3/4"
Unfortunately, my largest was 16" and deemed "not big enough for a picture"
kylek reply :
Looks like a good day Drew!! Congrats to your wife for kicking your butt!!!!
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Everywhere Ive looked, I cant seem to find 1/16th "Worm Nose Hooks" (Same as Gopher) with Quality Hooks. Only 1/16 Ive seen is Ebay. And I think they had big hooks. I believe 3/32 is the smallest mold though. I could be mistaken. Maybe a custom mold. I put a order in with TW for some Outkast Money Jigs. 1/16 with Gammy hooks.
Nice fish Drew, ahem I mean Elizabeth. ROFL I love getting outfished by my wife.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/30/2012 at 12:55 AM, CCC-Drew said:Here are some pictures of the 3 biggest we caught. The first she caught was a FAT 17 1/4"
The next was a 17 3/4"
Followed by another 17 3/4"
Unfortunately, my largest was 16" and deemed "not big enough for a picture"
Nothing wrong with getting outfished by your wife, just gives her more reason to go again in the future. Those are some very thick fish and I bet they gave her a heck of a fight.
On 10/30/2012 at 5:06 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Everywhere Ive looked, I cant seem to find 1/16th "Worm Nose Hooks" (Same as Gopher) with Quality Hooks. Only 1/16 Ive seen is Ebay. And I think they had big hooks. I believe 3/32 is the smallest mold though. I could be mistaken. Maybe a custom mold. I put a order in with TW for some Outkast Money Jigs. 1/16 with Gammy hooks.
Nice fish Drew, ahem I mean Elizabeth. ROFL I love getting outfished by my wife.
3/32oz is actually the size I believe that Ned Kedhe (the main designer of the Ned Rig) uses. I was lucky enough to fish with one of his friends that helped him refine the technique and come up with the whole Midwest Finesse tactics way of fishing. Plus there's only 1/32oz difference between 3/32oz and 1/16 and I doubt that is enough to make much difference.
Hi Salenity reply :
http://www.barlowstackle.com/Do-It-Walleye-Head-Jig-Mold-P216.aspx
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I'll give these Outkast Jigs a toss, let ya'll know what I think.
Wonder if the KDWPT would listen to an angler about putting a new species in a couple lakes that it should thrive in? Hmmmmmm
Polk Daniel, and Cowley County has some nice rock and fairly clean/clear water, Smallmouth's should thrive in it. (Clarity is like Pot #2 if not better)
Plus they are within a hr drive for me!!!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 10/30/2012 at 3:13 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:I'll give these Outkast Jigs a toss, let ya'll know what I think.
Wonder if the KDWPT would listen to an angler about putting a new species in a couple lakes that it should thrive in? Hmmmmmm
Polk Daniel, and Cowley County has some nice rock and fairly clean/clear water, Smallmouth's should thrive in it. (Clarity is like Pot #2 if not better)
Plus they are within a hr drive for me!!!!!
Not a chance. If it isn't a popular fish to eat KDWP won't stock it. I'm shocked they've made the attempt to stock smallmouth in a couple new lakes like Perry and Clinton but I highly doubt they'd do it in a smaller body of water. It would be nice if they'd listen to anglers more but if they did they wouldn't have the silly new bait laws and laws about transporting a live fish (makes it almost impossible to keep a record fish alive to be released since you can't keep it in your livewell since you have to pull all your plugs).
Mr_Scrogg reply :
4 record fish I think you would have to call them and let them know that you have 1 and then they might let you keep water in your livewell
Doc-Drew reply :
Hey guys Elizabeth and I are planning to camp at Milford this weekend. I have never fished there and don't know where to start. Since smallmouth will be the primary target, I plan to fish it similarly to Melvern unless someone knows otherwise. I have never fished for wiper but would LOVE to catch some of those. If you guys have any suggestions on where to fish please let me know. It is too big of a lake to just guess where to fish.
Fishes in trees reply :
I haven't posted on this thread this year because, frankly my fishing year hasn't been much to brag about. Excuse my ignorance, but I've got to know, what's a "Ned rig"?
Doc-Drew reply :
On 10/31/2012 at 1:55 AM, Fishes in trees said:I haven't posted on this thread this year because, frankly my fishing year hasn't been much to brag about. Excuse my ignorance, but I've got to know, what's a "Ned rig"?
it is a Zman ZinkerZ cut in half and put on a small hook (typically 1/16th oz or 3/32nd oz. The cut end of the zinkerz is superglued to the jighead to prevent it from falling down.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
On 10/31/2012 at 1:42 AM, CCC-Drew said:Hey guys Elizabeth and I are planning to camp at Milford this weekend. I have never fished there and don't know where to start. Since smallmouth will be the primary target, I plan to fish it similarly to Melvern unless someone knows otherwise. I have never fished for wiper but would LOVE to catch some of those. If you guys have any suggestions on where to fish please let me know. It is too big of a lake to just guess where to fish.
well man wipers love swimbaits spoons and most bass bait i generaly catch them at pleasanton east on a rattle trap but blue basser would be the best to talk to about both wipers and milford but they like jigs texas craw and black and blue or green pumpkin sure they will be eating a crankbait and a spinner bait. i hope the wind treats u alright and let us know how it goes but yeah hit up blue he can give u spots and all sorts of info about that lake and others might be able to help to
Doc-Drew reply :
Thanks kansasbassfisher. I talked to blue throughout the day today about Milford. Looking at the forecast right now the winds are supposed to be single digits. That would be fine with me but I also know how quickly things can change around here. I will definitely let you guys know how we make out.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Milfird, Ive been once. Didnt do good. Wilson Ive done a cabin trip. Faired decently well. Good luck and WEAR HER OUT this time.
sizzlefry40 reply :
Olathe lake today will let you know how it went later
Mr_Scrogg reply :
How would ya'll think a Sickle Hook would do on a Ned? Do you think the slight downward point would have a hard time hooking up?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/1/2012 at 9:54 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:How would ya'll think a Sickle Hook would do on a Ned? Do you think the slight downward point would have a hard time hooking up?
From what I've found as long as the hook shank isn't too long it should be alright. You can always use pliers to open up the hook gap slightly if you do have a hard time hooking fish.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Melvern with Hi Salenity Tuesday for a few hours Tuesday then most of the day Wednesday with Basshunter0731. I think the lake is possibly in turnover or maybe at the tail end of it. Water temps were in the mid to high 50's (56-58) and the water seemed to be a lot cloudier, not dirty, just looked like there was lots of stuff suspendeed in the water. A Ned rig ruled both days but fish were also caught on cranks, shakyheads, tubes, jigs, and spinnerbaits. Tuesday the fish were more active despite the colder temps, probably because of the clouds and wind. Curt had 2 really nice fish, one 17 3/4 and one 18 inch smallmouth, both on a ned rig. The 17 3/4" fish was back in the water without a picture but we got a picture of the big fish of the day.
Temps were better Wednesday but it was flat calm. We also were having a difficult time hooking up and keeping fish hooked, not exactly sure why. No big fish but the fish are so fat right now it seems. Jon's biggest of the day.
My biggest of the day was 16" and fought like it was 5 pounds, on a deadsticked Ned rig.
We both had fish in the 3 pound range hooked and lost, mine on a ned and Jon's on a KVD 1.0, along with several whites, a few drum and crappie, and a sunfish.
sizzlefry40 reply :
olathe was no luck hurra
y! y
pbrussell reply :
Got some friends that want to catch some smallies. So guess where I'm heading again tomorrow.
I'm starting to sound like a broken record.
I'll have to make sure and mix it up somehow next week if the weather is permitting. Maybe I'll brave La cygne and get my butt kicked.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/3/2012 at 6:01 AM, pbrussell said:Got some friends that want to catch some smallies. So guess where I'm heading again tomorrow.
I'm starting to sound like a broken record.
I'll have to make sure and mix it up somehow next week if the weather is permitting. Maybe I'll brave La cygne and get my butt kicked.
I don't blame you, I'll hopefully be back next Wednesday myself with the wife. She's been bugging me to go fishing as soon as she gets days off and this week she's off her probation period at work so she gets days off. Thinking I may buy a bunch of minnows or crawlers and just anchor up at the dam and relax and see how many smallies she can catch in a day
I'll bet La Cygne is probably rocking for wipers right now around the outlet if nothing else. You could always go to wolf creek too if the wind isn't going to be bad, just make sure you have a comfortable life jacket since you have to wear it the whole time.
Hi Salenity reply :
One of the guys that works for me wanted to go to Melvern Friday morning. So I made a trip up to BPS and got a new reel for him to use and rigged him up to fish the "rig". He ended up oversleeping so I went by myself.
It was like Blue said, a bit off. I got 17 fish in 3-4 hours but the water was on the green side and visibility was only 2-3' tops. I don't think I caught anything over 15''.
This morning before daylight me and Peter went to the state lake. Once the sun came out enough I could see I realized the lake was in turnover. visibility was only 6' and super brown'. In 3.5 hours we got 4 fish! I tucked my tail between my legs and went back to the house.
After a day like today I may not fish again until spring!
pbrussell reply :
Fishing was pretty tough today.
But, at least I caught this.
Hi Salenity reply :
How was the water clarity? 2-3' still?
pbrussell reply :
Around there. Water definitely had more of a dingy tint to it. Sitting around 55 degrees, and the wind didn't help the water clarity either. I think I caught around 10 smallies, and 10 whites. The fellas I had with me didn't do any better. There was a lot of junk fishing too. Handful on the "rig". One a jerkbait. One a jig. Missed one on a shakyhead. Handful on a rapala crank. Handful on a kvd 1.0.
Weird day out there for sure.
retro basser reply :
On 11/4/2012 at 6:50 AM, pbrussell said:Fishing was pretty tough today.
But, at least I caught this.
Dang.. Nice one!
At least the work paid off for ya... think i'm gonna go for one more spin this week to burn up the last of my gas and call it a year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I went to Gardner this morning after work to see if the fish had moved back into the south end with the shad until the cold water moves in. I figured I'd make a few casts and maybe catch a couple fish and go home. 2 hours and 43 fish later I finally packed it in. Nothing big but lots of 12-15 inchers on long casts just slamming an Xcalibur one knocker makes for a good time!
pbrussell reply :
Hey clayton, mind telling us what kind of retrieve you usually use with lipless baits? I know the standard answer is burning it, but sometimes that just doesn't produce.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/6/2012 at 8:13 AM, pbrussell said:Hey clayton, mind telling us what kind of retrieve you usually use with lipless baits? I know the standard answer is burning it, but sometimes that just doesn't produce.
It certainly was not the answer today. My first dozen casts that's what I did and didn't get a hit. Then I hit a clump of weeds and ripped it out and got slammed. 8 of the next 9 casts had the same results. I'd rip it up off the bottom and when I was reeling back down to rip it again I'd feel a tick almost like fishing a jerkbait. A couple of them stopped it on the rip and just stopped my rod completely. My wrist and elbow was literally getting sore from ripping the bait out of the weeds and the fish hitting the bait so hard. I started just crawling it as slow as I could and keep it ticking the weeds and picked up several more doing that. There was a older guy that came down to his dock and was yelling across the lake asking what I was catching them. He said he'd lived there since 1964 and had never seen anyone catch fish out there like that. He was keeping track of how many fish I'd caught for me until it started to slow down and he got cold. I was hoping to get 50 before I left but 43 from the bank from the same area isn't bad
Doc-Drew reply :
So here are the results from this weekend's trip to Milford. The whites/wipers were really active and made it hard to catch a decent amount of smallies. The second fish Saturday morning turned out to be a 5.48lb wiper caught on the ned rig at the dam. At first I thought it was a nice smallie, that is, until he peeled off drag and headed deep.
Pretty fun to fight that thing on a light action rod. Like Melvern, the dam proved to be the best spot and the ned rig the best bait. Sunday we had a problem with our fuel hose so we couldn't use our outboard. The wind kept us from moving too far so we just stayed in the cove where we launched. Again, the whites and wipers were very active. We caught over 50 fish in that cove including a cliche largemouth. The one laydown there, I pitched a jig and he grabbed it.
joefish reply :
Went to LaCygne this morning. North wind early made it a little rough to fish but eventually wind changed to west and died down. Caught several LMB, no big ones but had a good day on the water.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nicole and I went to Melvern today to see if we could still catch some smallies. We got there around 9 and it was a lot windier than they said it would be (shocker) and pretty chilly. I tried to find some shad to throw net but couldn't find any except a few monster shad flipping on top. We got a couple white bass out of the very north end of the boatramp cove before we went to the dam, Nicole had one really nice one.
We doubled up pretty quickly on nice smallies, I let Nicole hold both of them, I'll let you guess which one she caught and which one I caught.
They were eating a Ned rig really well and in shallower water than I would have guessed. Nicole got a good one pretty fast. We caught lots of them like this one.
The average size was great today, lots of them over 15" including this 17 incher.
And this nicely tattoed 16.5 incher.
And this 17 1/4 incher.
Last cast and last fish of the day also my heaviest of the day at 3.10.
We just fished really slowly along the dam almost all day, which was my plan to give Nicole the best chance to catch plenty today and she did pretty well considering how slow we had to fish. We called it a day around 4 when I put bass number 50 of the day in the boat. We had mostly smallmouth but I also had 4 spots, a crappie, and a sunfish and we both had a pair of white bass. They would follow a jerkbait but I only had 2 hit it and it was relaxing fishing super slow with the Ned Rig and catching lots of nice smallies.
Hi Salenity reply :
What was the water visibility like? It still looks Green. I got a new Jerk bait rod/reel and I keep thinking any day now I'm going to need it...
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/8/2012 at 10:31 AM, Hi Salenity said:What was the water visibility like? It still looks Green. I got a new Jerk bait rod/reel and I keep thinking any day now I'm going to need it...
It wasn't green at all. I could see the bottom in 5' of water. It was pretty cool to watch those smallmouth while we were fighting them in. I don't think we had a single fish follow another in while we were fighting it which really surprised me with the water being so clear.
nokturnal_one@msn.com reply :
Where were you fishing at Gardner I believe you said from the shore? Was it at the turn out on the south east side facing the mossy hydrilla covered section? I'm new to this forum and have been living in Kansas for just over a year now and would appreciate any advice on spots and gear to use, I'm from Utah and just started bass fishing and baitcasting last year so i'm quite new.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/8/2012 at 8:49 AM, joefish said:Went to LaCygne this morning. North wind early made it a little rough to fish but eventually wind changed to west and died down. Caught several LMB, no big ones but had a good day on the water.
What were you getting your fish on? It's about time to switch over to La Cygne and Wolf Creek for the winter I'm afraid.
joefish reply :
On 11/9/2012 at 12:10 PM, Bluebasser86 said:What were you getting your fish on? It's about time to switch over to La Cygne and Wolf Creek for the winter I'm afraid.
Got them all on a Ned Rig.
Afraid you may be right, although the winter Crappie at Perry and Clinton is usually good.
nokturnal_one@msn.com reply :
Sounds good. I usually fish where all the slop is, there is a dock on public land that i usually go to that provides awesome topwater and decent soft plastic action but the last 2 months all the fish moved out of the area and the slop became super thick and I haven't had a single bite. I don't have a boat so I don't travel to the big lakes I just stick to the little lakes and walk the banks. Tomorrow is my day off so hopefully I can get a good days fishing in before the cold really sets in.On 11/9/2012 at 12:08 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Welcome to the forum. We have a great group of guys that are very active and helpful on this thread for the KC area.
I was fishing from the furthest shore fishing spot on the southeast end of the lake where the road curves to the north. I don't fish Gardner very often but that spot was very good in the spring and seems to produce pretty well in the fall also.
Goose21 reply :
On 11/9/2012 at 12:21 PM, nokturnal_one@msn.com said:Sounds good. I usually fish where all the slop is, there is a dock on public land that i usually go to that provides awesome topwater and decent soft plastic action but the last 2 months all the fish moved out of the area and the slop became super thick and I haven't had a single bite. I don't have a boat so I don't travel to the big lakes I just stick to the little lakes and walk the banks. Tomorrow is my day off so hopefully I can get a good days fishing in before the cold really sets in.
nokturnal_one@msn.com reply :
The wiper are killing it at Lake Olathe on shad colored swimbaits, lipless cranks, and pretty much anything else shad colored, on the south side just look for the shad boiling up on the top. My wife pulled this in on 8# line on a prespooled bps $20 spinning set up. It took her forever the sound of the drag was music to my ears haha, my little dog in the pic request that he gets to lick all fish before i throw them back.
sizzlefry40 reply :
Caught some nice wipers with Chris at olathe today
Hi Salenity reply :
On 11/10/2012 at 7:36 AM, sizzlefry40 said:Caught some nice wipers with Chris at olathe today
Post those pics, Chris texted me a couple pics and they were HUGE!
Hi Salenity reply :
On 11/9/2012 at 1:16 PM, nokturnal_one@msn.com said:
Great fish! She's a keeper.
sizzlefry40 reply :
4 and 4.5 pounder
pbrussell reply :
Well, I was really itching to get out again today. But, I'm sick and it's more than a little windy.
Oh well. Really great weather otherwise.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
More than a little windy??? Thats like saying KC Chiefs is more than a little bad. ROFL
sizzlefry40 reply :
What there's no wind lol
Goose21 reply :
I'm just north of Columbia Mo, and all of you sitting on the couch today probably said a lot less curse words than I did out on the lake. 20+ mph steady winds just don't agree with my 16 foot aluminum Lowe.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
If there was no wind, I'd be back home in SC. LOL
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/11/2012 at 10:44 AM, Goose21 said:I'm just north of Columbia Mo, and all of you sitting on the couch today probably said a lot less curse words than I did out on the lake. 20+ mph steady winds just don't agree with my 16 foot aluminum Lowe.
You need a bigger trolling motor. I've got a 16' Lowe Roughneck with a 70lb Maxxum and a 20mph wind is no problem on a small lake
Goose21 reply :
Oh I know it blue my 40#'s of thrust leaves a lot to be desired. When I sit on Santa's lap this year you know what I'm asking for! Wicked cold front moved through today with plenty of wing and rain. Going to be a cool week...
Bluebasser86 reply :
Saw a picture of a couple studly walleye caught from Hillsdale yesterday. I've made it almost all year without fishing Hillsdale but the thought of maybe catching a walleye over 5lbs may be too much for me to resist
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Anyone have any experience with renovated lakes? KDWPT took Kingman down, killed off some nuisance invaders and has started bringing it back up. Stocking with fingerlings up to 10" now, and adult LMB in March. Then replace the Pike they transplanted before the draw down.
Im super stoked about them cleaning up the population to being a better gamefish population.
Chris S reply :
On 11/9/2012 at 1:16 PM, nokturnal_one@msn.com said:
I was fishing next to you, you drive the Honda with the VET plate on it? If so I honked at ya Friday in the Titan.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Took the new puppy out this morning to Gardner to see how she acted and if she was interested in fishing at all. She was having a good time playing in the grass and she seemed to be pretty interested in the fish too.
nokturnal_one@msn.com reply :
Ya that's me with the Veterans tags. Went to Gardner after work today to relieve some stress and the bite was on!! I was using a shad colored jerk bait for a little bit and caught a couple little guys then switched to a bone colored spook and it was GAME ON!!! They were hitting it so hard it would launch into the air even with the little guys, then a "big" girl ("big" for Gardner standards) slammed it and I about lost my gear, she was about 4lbs sadly I had no camera and my smart phone is apparently brain dead so no pics. Love the topwater action.On 11/13/2012 at 12:57 AM, Chris Schauer said:I was fishing next to you, you drive the Honda with the VET plate on it? If so I honked at ya Friday in the Titan.
kylek reply :
How's the fishing at Melvern at this time of year? Maybe even in to early December if the weather is good enough to get out. My father in law is recovering from hip surgery and finds out next week how long before he can fish. If he can go we are headed to Melvern for some smallie action!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/14/2012 at 10:36 AM, kylek said:How's the fishing at Melvern at this time of year? Maybe even in to early December if the weather is good enough to get out. My father in law is recovering from hip surgery and finds out next week how long before he can fish. If he can go we are headed to Melvern for some smallie action!!!
The wife and I did really well out there last week. Good numbers and good average size. We only fished the dam with a Ned rig, didn't even try to go anywhere else. I'd guess as long as the water stays about 50 you should be able to catch them pretty good still.
Chris S reply :
Hit Blues faaaaavorite Lake today and killed the Carp, I mean crappie!!!!!!!!!!!!
Electric chicken was the trick!
pbrussell reply :
I'm headed out to pleasanton east today to see if I can't get some cold water largemouth. Gonna throw all the cold water staples. I'm betting the surface temps are somewhere around 45. We'll see how I fare.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/17/2012 at 10:50 PM, pbrussell said:I'm headed out to pleasanton east today to see if I can't get some cold water largemouth. Gonna throw all the cold water staples. I'm betting the surface temps are somewhere around 45. We'll see how I fare.
I'm guessing more like low to mid 50's, it was still 56 at Wyandotte last week. Good thing is that if that doesn't pan out you can always hit La Cygne too.
pbrussell reply :
Hard telling what the temps were today. I forgot my humminbird unit at home. I caught around 20 fish in four hours or so.
7 or so on a firetiger trap, 1 on a jerkbait, 1 on a jig and the rest on the ned rig.
bkohlman reply :
Ok guys, I know the basics of the ned rig, but I would like to know what exact line, jig, and senko style bait you are using thanks!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/20/2012 at 11:59 AM, bkohlman said:Ok guys, I know the basics of the ned rig, but I would like to know what exact line, jig, and senko style bait you are using thanks!
8 or 10lb Nanofil with a 10lb fluoro leader, about 2' long. I'm using either a 1/16oz ballhead jig or 3/32oz worm nose (mushroomhead) jig, and half a Zman Zinker. In a pinch I'll use half a BPS stick O but you'll only get a couple fish per bait with them instead of 20 with the Zinker. I also superglue the Zinker to the jighead, otherwise it will slip down the hook constantly.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
What he said. Except Im using 10lb HiVis Braid, Fluoro leader. ;-)
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Wife uses 7lb Sunline Shooter FC for main line. And I have 1/16 Outkast Money Jigs (Mushroomhead). Works pretty good.
Super Glue (Gel) is a must IMO.
bkohlman reply :
spinning or baitcasting gear?
Hi Salenity reply :
Spinning it a must with a sensitive M-ML rod.
If your not using Nanofil you are missing bites!
The jig head is too light to have any feel on a larger diameter line.
bkohlman reply :
Thanks guys!
kylek reply :
Anybody get out lately? I was wanting to get out today but the wife had different plans for me.......
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
I haven't been on this thread much this year, but I did get out today. Probably last time this year ... which is a shame because they still seem like they are wanting to eat.
My dad and I fished Melvern and I would guess between the 2 of us we probably caught 35ish. Mostly smallies, a couple largemouths, and an 8lbs Drum. Maybe 4 smallies in the 3lbs + range. Action seemed to come in waves with the bigger fish coming in the "dead" periods. I did catch my PB smallie of 4 lbs 7 oz. Was a nice day to be out there.
kylek reply :
Nice smallie!!! What did you catch it on?
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Everything was on a PB&J Ned Rig.
kylek reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 10:29 AM, KU_Bassmaster. said:Everything was on a PB&J Ned Rig.
Thanks.. hoping to get out there again before it gets too cold. It is a 2 hour drive from my house!!!
joefish reply :
Went to Lacygne today. Fished from 1 to 5 caught probably 25 LMB. Largest went 3 lb. Forgot camera 
so no pics.
kylek reply :
Stupid question about the Ned Rig....
Does it matter what half of the bait you use? I cut mine in half and have been using the side that has the narrower tail section. Can you still use the other half? Don't really want to waste it if I can.
I made some up for the KC get together and accidently mixed them with another type of plastic bait and got a big melted together mess on my hands now!!!!
kylek reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 10:43 AM, joefish said:Went to Lacygne today. Fished from 1 to 5 caught probably 25 LMB. Largest went 3 lb. Forgot camera
Sounds like a pretty good day to me!!! I am kicking myself for not getting out today. Sounds like the fish were biting good today
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
I
On 11/26/2012 at 10:51 AM, kylek said:Stupid question about the Ned Rig....
Does it matter what half of the bait you use? I cut mine in half and have been using the side that has the narrower tail section. Can you still use the other half? Don't really want to waste it if I can.
I made some up for the KC get together and accidently mixed them with another type of plastic bait and got a big melted together mess on my hands now!!!!
I don't think it matters. When I first started fishing it I was wondering the same thing. I quickly noticed I was getting bit using either half.
joefish reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 10:51 AM, kylek said:Stupid question about the Ned Rig....
Does it matter what half of the bait you use? I cut mine in half and have been using the side that has the narrower tail section. Can you still use the other half? Don't really want to waste it if I can.
I use both ends, doesn't seem to matter to the fish.
Hi Salenity reply :
Nice fish! How deep were they? Did you measure that fish?On 11/26/2012 at 9:56 AM, KU_Bassmaster. said:I haven't been on this thread much this year, but I did get out today. Probably last time this year ... which is a shame because they still seem like they are wanting to eat.
My dad and I fished Melvern and I would guess between the 2 of us we probably caught 35ish. Mostly smallies, a couple largemouths, and an 8lbs Drum. Maybe 4 smallies in the 3lbs + range. Action seemed to come in waves with the bigger fish coming in the "dead" periods. I did catch my PB smallie of 4 lbs 7 oz. Was a nice day to be out there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 10:43 AM, joefish said:Went to Lacygne today. Fished from 1 to 5 caught probably 25 LMB. Largest went 3 lb. Forgot camera
What were you getting them on? Ned rig again?
basshunter0731 (Jon) and I fished his uncle's pond Tuesday and La Cygne Wednesday. Caught a bunch out of the ponds on jigs and traps. I tossed a 6" swimbait around a bit, had a good fish pull off and caught this little guy.
La Cygne was pretty decent for La Cygne. I had 20 bass, 1 white, several wipers, a channel cat, and a buffalo. Jon had 8 bass with a few near misses. Don't think he had any other fish, just bass. Shakyhead and a spinnerbait were our best baits. Caught a couple on shad fishing for wipers and Jon had one on a squarebill. The wipers and shad were really stacked up in the warm water. Didn't get any real monsters of anything but my first wiper was a pretty nice one, it ate a 4" swimbait.
Biggest bass was probably around 3lbs on a spinnerbait up the river a ways.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 11:28 AM, Hi Salenity said:Nice fish! How deep were they? Did you measure that fish?
We caught them shallow and deep. I have a loose connection somewhere with my sonar so that crapped out about 30 minutes in. Seems like we had the most success when I set the boat about 2 casts worth from the dam. So fairly deep.
I didn't get a measurement.
joefish reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 12:40 PM, Bluebasser86 said:What were you getting them on? Ned rig again?
Some hit cranks and others wanted a jig & pig, but the majority of them liked the Ned Rig.
Thinking of going back Friday if my neighbor can get a vacation day.
kylek reply :
Is the Ned rig a year round bait? Is it best used around rocky areas or can you use it anywhere? I have only used it along the d**n at Melvern.
sizzlefry40 reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 12:40 PM, Bluebasser86 said:What were you getting them on? Ned rig again?
basshunter0731 (Jon) and I fished his uncle's pond Tuesday and La Cygne Wednesday. Caught a bunch out of the ponds on jigs and traps. I tossed a 6" swimbait around a bit, had a good fish pull off and caught this little guy.
La Cygne was pretty decent for La Cygne. I had 20 bass, 1 white, several wipers, a channel cat, and a buffalo. Jon had 8 bass with a few near misses. Don't think he had any other fish, just bass. Shakyhead and a spinnerbait were our best baits. Caught a couple on shad fishing for wipers and Jon had one on a squarebill. The wipers and shad were really stacked up in the warm water. Didn't get any real monsters of anything but my first wiper was a pretty nice one, it ate a 4" swimbait.
Biggest bass was probably around 3lbs on a spinnerbait up the river a ways.
sizzlefry40 reply :
How much did your wiper weigh
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/27/2012 at 1:14 AM, sizzlefry40 said:How much did your wiper weigh
Don't know, I didn't weigh it but I'd guess probably 5 or 6 pounds.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/26/2012 at 11:31 PM, kylek said:Is the Ned rig a year round bait? Is it best used around rocky areas or can you use it anywhere? I have only used it along the d**n at Melvern.
Yes you can catch fish on it year round. Anywhere there isn't a lot of snags is best. You can fish it around snags if you get jigheads with a single wire or small fiber weedguard, but you still have to get the fish out of the cover with light line. It's great around docks and vertical cover like seawalls or pole timber because it falls slowly.
kylek reply :
On 11/27/2012 at 10:46 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes you can catch fish on it year round. Anywhere there isn't a lot of snags is best. You can fish it around snags if you get jigheads with a single wire or small fiber weedguard, but you still have to get the fish out of the cover with light line. It's great around docks and vertical cover like seawalls or pole timber because it falls slowly.
Thanks Clayton. I am looking forward to putting this to use in some tournaments next year. Maybe it will be the ticket to winning some money!!!!!
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Here you boys go!!!!
27.75" Drum. On a PB&J Ned. Didn't have a scale (Nor do I own one) Guesstimates on weight?
Bluebasser86 reply :
Probably 6 or 7 pounds. A bass that long would be around 10 and they aren't as thick as bass. I'm sure that was a good fight though.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
For sure it was. Caught about 12the drum. Half over 4lb. Crazy day. Fished Winfield City Lake.
retro basser reply :
On 11/20/2012 at 9:08 PM, Hi Salenity said:Spinning it a must with a sensitive M-ML rod.
If your not using Nanofil you are missing bites!
The jig head is too light to have any feel on a larger diameter line.
Those are some d**n fine free tips right there... props! (respect)
I couldn't believe how much switching down to a lighter power rod helped me.. there should be some kind of 'official' record for how big of smallie could be caught on crappie gear with 4lb test and a ned rig...
On 11/26/2012 at 8:23 PM, KU_Bassmaster. said:We caught them shallow and deep. I have a loose connection somewhere with my sonar so that crapped out about 30 minutes in. Seems like we had the most success when I set the boat about 2 casts worth from the dam. So fairly deep.
A good thing to try on any modern sonar unit if that happens is pulling the fuse for that circuit and plugging it back in after a couple seconds. I think they might have internal circuits in the unit that never really reset unless the voltage drops to 0 on them for a couple seconds.
On 11/27/2012 at 10:46 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Yes you can catch fish on it year round. Anywhere there isn't a lot of snags is best. You can fish it around snags if you get jigheads with a single wire or small fiber weedguard, but you still have to get the fish out of the cover with light line. It's great around docks and vertical cover like seawalls or pole timber because it falls slowly.
you know what always seems like it would work good for me is those little football jigs with the 1/0 hook and the wire weedguard at cabelas. I think they call them wacky rig hooks. if they werent $2 apiece i'd probably see if it worked for 'Neddin at least.. Ya think?
Mr_Scrogg reply :
As much as Im loving using Neds Rig. Come warmer weather, im a big bait kind of guy. Big Frogs!!! And Mini Slammers.
Still will keep a Ned for smallmouths though.
bkohlman reply :
What do you guys think about the ned rig at El Dorado Lake as I walk the dam? Will it work?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/30/2012 at 7:21 AM, bkohlman said:What do you guys think about the ned rig at El Dorado Lake as I walk the dam? Will it work?
Never fished it but I'm sure it would work if there's fish on the dam. The hard thing about fishing it from the bank is it tends to snag a lot more because of the angle you're pulling it. You might want some jigheads with light weedguards but even that won't stop it from wedging in the rocks.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished my bank spot at Gardner for half an hour this morning. I thought maybe with the warm, windy day they might be biting, I guess I was wrong. My second cast I caught a 18" saugeye on a trap. I had one other for sure bite and another I thought was a bite but didn't connect on either. At least I didn't blank I guess. Once I gave up on fishing I took the puppy and walked her through some waist deep grass and she went nuts. I couldn't breath I was laughing so hard. Hopefully she'll have the same energy and passion for duck hunting
Bluebasser86 reply :
If anyone is interested I'll be headed to Melvern tomorrow probably for the last time this year. I'll have an empty back of the boat if anyone wants to tag along. Weather looks pretty decent, little more wind than I'd like but shouldn't be too bad.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Id love to go. But I have a trip planned to Polk Daniel near Howard KS today.
Ill hook up with you next spring for sure.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Drew and I headed to Melvern today for the last time this year before the cold snap next week. Water temps stayed pretty steady from 49-50 degrees. It was a grind all day but the quality of fish was making up for it. My first fish of the morning was a solid 3.37lb 18.5" smallmouth on a Ned Rig.
About an hour and a few fish later I got my second keeper of the day, 18" and 3.35 pounds, also on a Ned Rig.
Drew got in on the action with a chunky smallmouth on a jigging spoon.
Then I got a 17 3/4 incher also on a jigging spoon.
and Drew followed up with the biggest spot he's ever caught, also on the spoon.
We had a pretty long lull with only a few fish here and there. We decided to hit the outlet at the dam one more time before we left since we'd caught several of our fish off of it. Drew hooked up quickly on the spoon. The fish was fighting really odd. I thought he'd tailhooked a carp until the line came up quickly and a super stocky smallmouth went airborne. It was a pretty serious tussle before I got the net under one of the thickest smallmouth I've ever seen. She was 18.5" and 4.04 pounds!
You can really tell how thick she was in this picture even though it's kind of dark.
retro basser reply :
Pullin 4lb smallies in December! Wish i coulda gone... Nice fish!
retro basser reply :
Retro 2013 Edition...
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1981-Champion-168-101861665
Whaddya guys think?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/6/2012 at 8:55 AM, retro basser said:Retro 2013 Edition...
http://www.boattrade...n-168-101861665
Whaddya guys think?
Good looking old boat but I don't think I'd go over 3,000 for it. Even though the boat looks nice it's still over 30 years old and the motors almost 15 despite it's hours. That's just my feelings on it. I paid the same price for a 92' Ranger with a 150hp Mercury 2 stroke so I'd try to get them a to back off the price a bit.
joefish reply :
On 12/6/2012 at 8:55 AM, retro basser said:Retro 2013 Edition...
http://www.boattrade...n-168-101861665
Whaddya guys think?
I really liked that old Champion hull styling. That one looks really clean (even if it probably is a refurb) Price may be a little high for a 30 year old hull and 13 year old motor. The hours from engine module or gauge? Makes a difference.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Great day, Blue. I only managed a Crappie and a couple Largemouths @ Polk. But a bad day fishing os better than not fishing at all
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Were you jigging marked fish? Or just a area you thought would be holding?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/6/2012 at 12:47 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Were you jigging marked fish? Or just a area you thought would be holding?
Marked fish with the exception of the fish coming off the side of the outlet since you can't get that close to it. I also snagged a 22" carp that was probably 6 or 7 pounds that made my heart jump in my throat when I caught the first glimpse of golden brown before it shot under the boat. I thought I had a new state record smallmouth.
retro basser reply :
You know guys i'm not sure about the hours on the boat. I like 2 strokes and this one even was a 2+2 meaning 2 cylinders were off when your just idling to save gas...
i agree this is a below 3K boat that is just cherry, it's really about how good the transom holds under real inspection and if it fires up. i have a feeling it will be alot closer to 3 than 4k
Just gotta sneak down to Arma to find out... seems like a few good Northern OK/AR plus SWMO boats make it up there..
Hi Salenity reply :
2 weeks ago I drove to Arkansas to look at a boat only to find out it was a real pos! Keep looking you'll find a good one.
FYI in that price range you can find a nice 17' tracker...
Chris S reply :
On 12/6/2012 at 8:55 AM, retro basser said:Retro 2013 Edition...
http://www.boattrade...n-168-101861665
Whaddya guys think?
$2500 its a dealer!! Looks clean, just needs new carpet!
I like this one for you!!
http://desmoines.cra...3458434548.html
or
http://www.smithvillemarine.com/inc/sdetail/150/1544
retro basser reply :
Well Chris the first was so good that it's already gone. I like stratos' too, something to think about.
Trackers are a good idea as well. That one that Peter bought this year is a pretty darn practical setup...
Chris S reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 12:08 AM, retro basser said:Well Chris the first was so good that it's already gone. I like stratos' too, something to think about.
Trackers are a good idea as well. That one that Peter bought this year is a pretty darn practical setup...
I bought a used LOWE from Smithville years ago and the 2nd time out the motor blew, I had no warranty on the motor and Ms. Austin who owns smithville owed me nothing but she had the same motor as mine with a bad lower unit and just switched them out for me at no charge.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 12/6/2012 at 8:55 AM, retro basser said:Retro 2013 Edition...
http://www.boattrader.com/listing/1981-Champion-168-101861665
Whaddya guys think?
I actually just purchased a boat this week. I is a 1984 tidecraft spitfire v15. It needs a little cosmetic work but that's fine because I need a project of some sort this winter.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 5:16 AM, CCC-Drew said:I actually just purchased a boat this week. I is a 1984 tidecraft spitfire v15. It needs a little cosmetic work but that's fine because I need a project of some sort this winter.
That's a pretty clean looking boat from the outside. Just need some carpet or something? What size is the trolling motor and does it work? What size is the gas motor and did it start? Should be a good little boat when you get everything set up like you want it.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 8:43 AM, Bluebasser86 said:That's a pretty clean looking boat from the outside. Just need some carpet or something? What size is the trolling motor and does it work? What size is the gas motor and did it start? Should be a good little boat when you get everything set up like you want it.
The trolling motor is a 42# thrust minnkota. It needs a new plug/recepticle. I wouldn't mind a larger trolling motor but this will work for now. The outboard is a 50hp Johnson that has a fuel problem. Luckily, a coworker of my fiancee knows a bit about outboards so he is taking a look at it this week. Other than that, I just need to clean it up a bit-inside and out and put new hinges on some of the compartments.
Chris S reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 9:41 AM, CCC-Drew said:The trolling motor is a 42# thrust minnkota. It needs a new plug/recepticle. I wouldn't mind a larger trolling motor but this will work for now. The outboard is a 50hp Johnson that has a fuel problem. Luckily, a coworker of my fiancee knows a bit about outboards so he is taking a look at it this week. Other than that, I just need to clean it up a bit-inside and out and put new hinges on some of the compartments.
I had a 92' Johnsom 50hp with a fuel issue and it was the jets, once they where replaced it was all good. I did replace all fuel lines and the tank as to not suck up any old gunk into the carbs and just pre mixed the gas and 2 stroke oil.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've got an old 15hp tiller drive Johnson and it's about the most dependable starting old motor I've ever seen. I'd replace the gas tank unless it's brand new. You never know what kind of crap may be in an old gas tank, especially the old metal ones.
Chris S reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 12:08 AM, retro basser said:Well Chris the first was so good that it's already gone. I like stratos' too, something to think about.
Trackers are a good idea as well. That one that Peter bought this year is a pretty darn practical setup...
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/boa/3468379625.html
Doc-Drew reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 10:39 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I've got an old 15hp tiller drive Johnson and it's about the most dependable starting old motor I've ever seen. I'd replace the gas tank unless it's brand new. You never know what kind of crap may be in an old gas tank, especially the old metal ones.
I took a look inside with mirror like a dentist uses and the tank looked clean. I may end up replacing that just to be sure though.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/11/2012 at 10:41 PM, CCC-Drew said:I took a look inside with mirror like a dentist uses and the tank looked clean. I may end up replacing that just to be sure though.
Is there any old fuel in the tank still? It isn't just stuff you can see that you have to worry about messing up your motor and a new gas tank is sure to be a heck of a lot cheaper than a repair bill. Gas tank a fuel line are two of the main things I'd replace on a used boat unless they were brand new, especially on one that is having fuel problems already.
sizzlefry reply :
Anyone going out tomorrow let me know if you have a seat open
Chris S reply :
On 12/12/2012 at 12:47 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Is there any old fuel in the tank still? It isn't just stuff you can see that you have to worry about messing up your motor and a new gas tank is sure to be a heck of a lot cheaper than a repair bill. Gas tank a fuel line are two of the main things I'd replace on a used boat unless they were brand new, especially on one that is having fuel problems already.
CCC I agree with Clayton 100% a new tank and fuel lines will save you head aches in the long run. Is this your first boat?
Chris S reply :
On 12/12/2012 at 4:05 AM, sizzlefry said:Anyone going out tomorrow let me know if you have a seat open
What no love??
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Hmmmm wind is HOWLING here. No fishing in my book.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Jon and I went to my favorite lake in the whole world today. That's right, we went to Hillsdale. It treated us surprisingly well. We were hoping for a keeper 'eye but of course we didn't catch any of those, walleye is pretty much the only thing I didn't catch. We got out there around 1 and fished until 3:30 and spent most of our time right by the Gardner Rd bridge with jigging spoons. We had probably 15 whites, 5 or 6 crappie, 5 drum, 2 bluegill, 1 catfish, and 1 walleye plus several huge shad that got snagged on our spoons. Nothing big enough to take pictures of but most of the whites were nice sized ones and they were slamming the spoons. I actually caught one that had mud in his mouth and coming out his gills. Best we could tell was he attacked my spoon right as it hit bottom and got a mouthful of mud along with my spoon. Jon caught the only walleye but it was only about 8". We fished silver and white spoons, color didn't seem to matter. Water temps were 43-42
Busy reply :
I will be going to Hillsdale for the first time ever in mid-April hopefully to run my new pup in a Hunting Test. Will be hard to get down there without fishing!
Chris S reply :
On 12/13/2012 at 7:10 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Jon and I went to my favorite lake in the whole world today. That's right, we went to Hillsdale. It treated us surprisingly well. We were hoping for a keeper 'eye but of course we didn't catch any of those, walleye is pretty much the only thing I didn't catch. We got out there around 1 and fished until 3:30 and spent most of our time right by the Gardner Rd bridge with jigging spoons. We had probably 15 whites, 5 or 6 crappie, 5 drum, 2 bluegill, 1 catfish, and 1 walleye plus several huge shad that got snagged on our spoons. Nothing big enough to take pictures of but most of the whites were nice sized ones and they were slamming the spoons. I actually caught one that had mud in his mouth and coming out his gills. Best we could tell was he attacked my spoon right as it hit bottom and got a mouthful of mud along with my spoon. Jon caught the only walleye but it was only about 8". We fished silver and white spoons, color didn't seem to matter. Water temps were 43-42
Love it!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Drew and I fished Hillsdale today to try to catch some whites/walleye/crappie for a friend at work that's been craving some fish. Have I ever mentioned I HATE Hillsdale? The white bass were not were they were last week at all. After almost 2 hours I had lost 3 spoons and caught a carp on a power minnow. Caught a few small crappie on jigs out of the trees. Tried jigging spoons at the dam and marina area, nada, not even a bite, we did snag several small channel cats and a couple drum at the outlet. We ran back over to Gardner RD bridge to see if the whites moved up, nope.Crappie weren't in the trees they were in earlier. Just started tree hopping and finally found one with some good crappie in it. Ended up with 5 crappie and 4 whites that I filleted for my buddy. Man we worked for them and I was really wishing we would have just gone to La Cygne instead.
retro basser reply :
On 12/10/2012 at 5:16 AM, CCC-Drew said:I actually just purchased a boat this week. I is a 1984 tidecraft spitfire v15. It needs a little cosmetic work but that's fine because I need a project of some sort this winter.
I dig it! That's a clean looking boat. You might want to try adding seafoam to the first tank of gas if you decide not to replace... I add a little sta-bil to every tank i put through my old merc too.. she dont like gas to even be three weeks old it seems..
My quest is gonna have to be put on hold till next spring... i just dont have the time anymore.
micahthorlawson reply :
Hello all!
i have been following this thread since mid-summer. Finally broke down and registered an account. I Fish around the south KC area alot, but only have a little 2 man bass boat. I have fished the BFLs (FLW) as a co-angler for the past couple years and just truly love bass fishing. I mostly fish MIami CO, Olathe, Cedar, Gardner, Shawnee Mission Park, Critzer and Mound CIty just because of the sizes. However, sometimes I get out on bigger lakes with the MNU's bass fishing teams boat. (I am an ALumni) ANyways. Just wanted to drop a line and say I look forward to giving updates on my outings!
Micah
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 12/21/2012 at 12:25 AM, micahthorlawson said:Hello all!
i have been following this thread since mid-summer. Finally broke down and registered an account. I Fish around the south KC area alot, but only have a little 2 man bass boat. I have fished the BFLs (FLW) as a co-angler for the past couple years and just truly love bass fishing. I mostly fish MIami CO, Olathe, Cedar, Gardner, Shawnee Mission Park, Critzer and Mound CIty just because of the sizes. However, sometimes I get out on bigger lakes with the MNU's bass fishing teams boat. (I am an ALumni) ANyways. Just wanted to drop a line and say I look forward to giving updates on my outings!
Micah
Welcome to the board! We have a great group of guys on here that share a lot of information about a lot of lakes around the area. I spent a lot of years fishing from a 2 man and most of us that have boats fish out of smaller, aluminum boats so we're all pretty familiar with the smaller lakes in the area. Thankfully we have lots of small lakes under 200 acres reasonably close for those of us with small boats. We also try to do area get togethers to give everyone the chance to meet other guys on the board so keep your eyes open for that if you're interested. We'll probably have one in the spring and we usually try to start planning a couple months ahead of time.
pbrussell reply :
On 12/21/2012 at 12:25 AM, micahthorlawson said:Hello all!
i have been following this thread since mid-summer. Finally broke down and registered an account. I Fish around the south KC area alot, but only have a little 2 man bass boat. I have fished the BFLs (FLW) as a co-angler for the past couple years and just truly love bass fishing. I mostly fish MIami CO, Olathe, Cedar, Gardner, Shawnee Mission Park, Critzer and Mound CIty just because of the sizes. However, sometimes I get out on bigger lakes with the MNU's bass fishing teams boat. (I am an ALumni) ANyways. Just wanted to drop a line and say I look forward to giving updates on my outings!
Micah
Micah, I believe you and I have fished in a couple of tournaments together. I'm one of vankeulen's buddies (Blake). I think we're even friends on facebook.
Welcome to the boards. This is a good place to be.
micahthorlawson reply :
Thanks! And aweomse. i will keep my ears open for some of those get togethers.
Already cannot wait for Spring!
Micah
micahthorlawson reply :
Absolutely! I remember meeting you Blake. I haven't fished with Zach since LAST spring. Hope all is well with him and you!
On 12/21/2012 at 5:29 AM, pbrussell said:Micah, I believe you and I have fished in a couple of tournaments together. I'm one of vankeulen's buddies (Blake). I think we're even friends on facebook.
Welcome to the boards. This is a good place to be.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Merry Christmas to all my fellow KC area members! Hope all is well and that you all have a great day! I'm less than an hour away from wrapping up my 12 hour shift then it's home to hopefully unwrap some new toys to play with on the water . Once deer season wraps up this week I will be back at it chasing them around at La Cygne and Wolf Creek until spring time
skunked_again reply :
On 12/25/2012 at 8:55 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Merry Christmas to all my fellow KC area members! Hope all is well and that you all have a great day! I'm less than an hour away from wrapping up my 12 hour shift then it's home to hopefully unwrap some new toys to play with on the water
Back at you.
Goose21 reply :
Here's to a healthy, productive, and last but not least fun 2013! I hope to make it to one of the KC area get togethers next year and shoot the sh$t with y'all.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Anyone ever fished the small pond at La Cygne above the outlet? I know there are fish in it because I've throw netted it when I walked in to fish the outlet before but haven't ever actually fished it. I've heard from duck hunters it's extremely shallow but that water should be warm enough that some big fish could still live in that shallow water. I may have to give it a try unless someone has some info to make me decide otherwise. I'll be down there Wednesday since it's supposed to make it all the way up to almost 40
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
just put the 12 footer in ur roughkneck and then drag it up and find out sissy!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Jon and I got the La Cygne today and fished from dark to dark I guess that makes it pretty obvious the fishing was pretty good the entire day. It was a balmy 11 degrees when we got on the water but I still caught a fish literally on my first cast of the day on a swimbait. Jon caught his first bass of the year pretty quickly on a football jig. It looked like he hooked a monster at first because it was in the current on a long cast but was still a pretty stout fish.
I lost a big fish on a shakyhead that was ripping drag and then caught a solid fish my next cast.
We caught several more bass at the outlet then decided to try for some whites and wipers on the flat north of the outlet. Not much going on, we doubled up on wipers that were about a pound apiece when a bunch of gulls started diving at the mouth of the river so we ran over to them. Had a little flurry of smaller wipers and then we doubled on nice wipers, Jon's was his PB wiper.
I had a baitfeeder with a freelined live shad in the rod holder that started slowly feeding out line and after a fight that wore out my forearm I netted this channel cat. The picture does it no justice but it was probably 10-12 pounds.
We worked up the lake and were about to dock the boat so we could get drinks that weren't frozen at the boathouse when I got another solid one right by the ramp on a jerkbait.
It was a really good day for a little bit of everything. We probably put 30-35 bass in the boat, a dozen to 15 wipers, several big whites, 2 catfish, 2 buffalo, and a carp. A shakyhead with a magnum finesse worm, a lucky craft or Excaliber jerkbait, swimbait, or rattletraps were the deal all day.
Hi Salenity reply :
Nice fish! What were the water temps like?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/3/2013 at 10:01 AM, Hi Salenity said:Nice fish! What were the water temps like?
60 at the outlet, 52 at the mouth of the river, 48 at the ramp.
Hi Salenity reply :
Wow, that's warmer than I figured it would be
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
sounds like a good day for there buddy and it wasnt a blizzard like most of our best days but was cold. did u throw the hudd deluxe pansy
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/3/2013 at 10:59 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:sounds like a good day for there buddy and it wasnt a blizzard like most of our best days but was cold. did u throw the hudd deluxe pansy
I threw a couple 5 inchers, caught a fish on one but lost the tail on that fish then had a good hit on the other one that didn't hook up. Caught several on a king shad though.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Going back to La Cygne this Thursday and will have an empty seat if anyone is interested. 40 for a low, 52 for a high, cloudy with a chance of rain and 12mph winds from the SW is what weather.com has for the forecast right now. I'm sure it will change between now and then but there's a good warm front coming through starting today going through Friday so they may be really fired up by Thursday. Pm me or send me a text if you've got my number.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well today was certainly not a numbers day but after catching lots of fish last week Chris and I decided to hit to La Cygne again today. We had rain off an on for the first half of the day and then pretty steady rain the second half of the day, at least the temps were in the 40's most of the day and wind wasn't terrible. The plant was not generating when we got there. No generation equals no action on power plant lakes. It took us almost 3 hours to get a bite and the first half dozen were serious dinks, only one would have even topped a pound. We came around the point and noticed the visibility had dropped to a couple hundred yards so we knew they'd started generating and the warm water running into the lake was creating steam so we figured we'd get to the outlet again because those fish react first. Not much going on other than one dink and one missed bite. I was fishing a Series 5 on a sand/gravel ledge where the current runs along when my bait got crushed. I wasn't sure it was a bass at first until she came up and wallowed. She was hooked good until she wallowed next to the boat again and the front hook popped out. She pulled like crazy and I thought for sure she'd come off but Chris finally got the net under her. I was shaking so bad I couldn't hardly get her on the scale. 24" long and 15" around and 7.51 pounds.
We probably didn't catch another half dozen the rest of the day and it was raining pretty hard and starting to get dark so we headed to the ramp but decided to fish around the ramp for a minute before we left. I was fishing a Bandit 100 in mistake color off a rock pier when it got stopped. We both thought it was around 3 pounds when it first came up and wallowed around. Once it got to the boat and dove down it was obvious we'd underestimated her. She was barely hooked on the back hook but she stayed stuck and we got her in the net. Not quite as big as the first but at 21.5" and 13.25" and 5.88 pounds she was certainly a great way to end the day!
Goose21 reply :
Ill take two flat out pigs with a bunch of dinks any day..Very nice! You have your work cut out for yoy to top that 7+ pounder in 2013. .Curious what is a series 5?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/11/2013 at 11:32 AM, Goose21 said:Ill take two flat out pigs with a bunch of dinks any day..Very nice! You have your work cut out for yoy to top that 7+ pounder in 2013. .Curious what is a series 5?
A Strike King Series 5 crankbait, about a 10-14 foot runner. I was fishing the green gizzard shad color in the rattling version. That fish is actually the second biggest bass I've caught anywhere other than Mexico.
bassinKS reply :
to answer your question about the little pond in the outlet we call it the "hot pond" yes it is shallow when you get up there and there are usually quite a few hunters this time of year including me lol i can say that i have thought about bringing a rod or two with me to fish and one of these times i will do it and let u know how it goes
Doc-Drew reply :
Nice work Blue! Did Chris catch anything worth mentioning or was he the reliable net man?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/11/2013 at 11:46 PM, CCC-Drew said:Nice work Blue! Did Chris catch anything worth mentioning or was he the reliable net man?
He didn't get anything he wanted a picture of and only had a half dozen or so but I probably only had a dozen to 15 all day myself. Just the way La Cygne is a lot of the time. The fishing was tough but if you get the right bite it changes the whole day. Most of our fish were on shakyheads but I had 4 on crankbaits too. It was very similar to a trip we had down there a couple winters ago when we caught very few fish but I had a 7 and a 5 pound fish. Only difference was I caught my two big fish on different baits and off different spots this time.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
Hey guys thought i would post this for you guys cus we all fish the ned rig and thought it might be a good alternative. gary yamamoto custom baits makes a 2inch sticko that might work for what we are doing with the full size stickos. https://store.baits.com/home.php?cat=13
i saw this in the general forum and thougt hmmm worth a look but we will see
Busy reply :
picked up a few megabass lures at a decent price at the sports show yesterday at bartle hall in KC
anyone else go?
Hi Salenity reply :
On 1/15/2013 at 3:42 AM, Busy said:picked up a few megabass lures at a decent price at the sports show yesterday at bartle hall in KC
anyone else go?
Man I'm jealous. I was wondering if they would have anything cool at a decent price.
What did you get and what were the prices like?
Bluebasser86 reply :
I didn't go because they haven't had crap for fishing stuff the last several years except for baits that looked like they should be on infomercials. Sounds like I should have gone I guess. Oh well, I just spent $150 between TW and fishingskirts.com It's jig building time
Busy reply :
I hadn't been in years but it seems like the show is quite a bit smaller than it was 10 years ago.
Most of the fishing stuff was for crappie.
I got a Giant Dog-X and a Deep-X 100 for $20 each. Not a steal but I thought it was ok.
Razr rods had a booth and they were selling for $169 (down from $199).
There was a lot of PowerPro and Viscious line marked 1/2 off. Nets 1/2 off.
The booth that had the megabass lures was also selling Lews SS TPros. The guy told me they accidentally had them marked at $85.99 the first day of the show. I think they were around $160 when I was there though.
micahthorlawson reply :
I went on the first day, they must have corrected the Lews by then cuz they were asking $160. I got som A-rigs from the booth that had the megabass lures. They were asking 26 for the vision 110 and I didn't think that was an awesome deal or anything.
retro basser reply :
I know the season doesnt end for some of you guys out there but I don't mind taking a little break from fishing to recharge my batteries.... well the itch is coming back and i'm starting to reflect back on last season. It occured to me that I caught the vast majority of fish on my two most sensitive rods and a handful of baits.
I thought it might interesting for everyone to kick around a favorite gear of 2012 poll to get us through the winter. I'll offer up these basic catgories and post the poll again for easy replying.
Answer as many or as few as you want, but... before you ask, no, you cant answer 'ned rig' for all of the responses
Favorite Rod/Reel:
--- 7' Cabelas Prodigy with a Daiwa Baitcaster
All-around line:
--- Not gonna lie, that Pline CXX is pretty d**n good for how cheap it is.
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:
--- I had alot of fun with a swim-jig this year just 1/8 oz
Crankbait:
--- Bomber model A squarebill in a tennessee shad with a rattle caught many a bass this season
Finesse Bait:
-- 3.5 Yamamoto tube in smoke color hands down
Topwater:
--- Rebel popR in gizzard shad
Plastic:
--- This is a broad topic but a good suprise for me this year was the NetBait Paca... they're cheap and they work...
retro basser reply :
2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel:
All-around line:
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:
Crankbait:
Finesse Bait:
Topwater:
Plastic:
Hi Salenity reply :
On 1/16/2013 at 11:48 PM, retro basser said:2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel:Lews TP 7'11 Rage (upgraded to Legend for 2013)
All-around line: 12# yo-z
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:Brush Jig
Crankbait: I'd rather stay home
Finesse Bait:NED!
Topwater:Frog (never fished one last year but killed them on one in 2011)
Plastic:Rage Lobster
Hi Salenity reply :
Retro have you found a boat yet? I got another boat and tried to find some "RETRO" carpet for it but didn't have any luck.
Chris S reply :
On 1/16/2013 at 11:48 PM, retro basser said:2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel:
Mitchell/Browning Midas 6'6 MH
All-around line: Power Pro
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football: Shakeyhead
Crankbait: KVD Square Bill 2.5/BPS Lipless
Finesse Bait:
Topwater:
Plastic: Pacacraw
joefish reply :
Anybody know of a web site that gives ice conditions for lakes like Clinton, Perry and Hilsdale? Not to ice fish but ramp conditions etc to see if I can get my boat out?
micahthorlawson reply :
2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel: 7'6" Fenwick Legacy / Quantum TE
All-around line: Seaguar Fluro
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football: ShakeyHead (spot remover)
Crankbait: Rapala DT series. (although I don't fish alot of CB)
Finesse Bait: Zoom finesse worm drop shot
Topwater: Spook
Plastic: Either Biffle Bug/Yo mama- most of my fish were caught in Blk/blu
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/16/2013 at 11:48 PM, retro basser said:2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel:7' 6" MH LTB/200E7
All-around line:Seaguar fluoro
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:Okeechobee craw brush jig or 1/8oz homemade shakyhead
Crankbait:LC RC 1.5
Finesse Bait:Ned rig or 5" stick O on a 1/16oz homemade shakyhead
Topwater:Cavitron or Zell Pop
Plastic:Havoc Pit Boss
retro basser reply :
On 1/17/2013 at 12:59 AM, Hi Salenity said:Retro have you found a boat yet? I got another boat and tried to find some "RETRO" carpet for it but didn't have any luck.
Finally got out of that tin can eh? Hey if you wanna buy my boat too, i'll throw in the carpet for free!
Actually it's harder than I thought to let go of the old basser, It's put me on the water alot over the last couple years and always brought me back.. I'm putting it off till next summer.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 1/17/2013 at 9:42 AM, Bluebasser86 said:On 1/16/2013 at 11:48 PM, retro basser said:2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLL
Favorite Rod / Reel:7ft6in Heavy/Fast Crucial -Daiwa TDA
All-around line: PP Braid
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:Gammy Skip Gap Shakey/Roboworm
Crankbait:N/A
Finesse Bait:The Ned
Topwater:Koppers Live Target Hollow Frog
Plastic:Mizmo 2.5in Tube
Hi Salenity reply :
On 1/18/2013 at 12:23 AM, retro basser said:Finally got out of that tin can eh? Hey if you wanna buy my boat too, i'll throw in the carpet for free!
Actually it's harder than I thought to let go of the old basser, It's put me on the water alot over the last couple years and always brought me back.. I'm putting it off till next summer.
Out of one tin can and into another.
Only this ones older and not as nice. LOL
http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=28777
Doc-Drew reply :
On 1/16/2013 at 11:48 PM, retro basser said:2012 KC AREA GUYS FAVORITE GEAR POLLFavorite Rod / Reel: BPS Carbonlite M/Revo SX
All-around line: Still trying to figure this one out
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football: Grass- Catching a dozen 3-4 lb SM in thick grass cover up in South Dakota was a blast
Crankbait: Bandit 1100 series (not sure if they still make that size)
Finesse Bait: Ned rig
Topwater: Spook
Plastic: Pacacraw
Doc-Drew reply :
Maybe we should do this as well:
2012 Biggest Local Bass
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale): 4.98 lb Smallmouth
Lure: 3/8 oz Terminator Spinnerbait in Clown color
Pattern: Burning from shallows and letting it drop when it went over a ledge
Lake: Melvern
Time of Year: November
Doc-Drew reply :
On 1/18/2013 at 11:44 PM, CCC-Drew said:2012 Biggest Local Bass
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale):
Lure:
Pattern:
Lake:
Time of Year:
Mr_Scrogg reply :
20.75" Largemouth
Koppers Live Target Hollow Belly Frog Black/Brown
Toss on the slop, slowly creep the lure back, dead sticking at edge of cover/open pockets
Private business pond, got ran off.
July
tritonguy reply :
Favorite Rod / Reel: Whatever was expensive and is now on clearance
All-around line: Suffix Elite
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football: Jig= War Eagle Shaky head= Spot Remover Football= War Eagle
Crankbait: Strike King KVD 1.5
Finesse Bait: Zoom finese worm on a shaky head
Topwater: Chug Bug
Plastic No contest Baby Brush Hog
- Unlike
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/18/2013 at 11:45 PM, CCC-Drew said:On 1/18/2013 at 11:44 PM, CCC-Drew said:2012 Biggest Local Bass
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale):6.10 Largemouth
Lure:Homeade chatterbait
Pattern: slow, steady retrieve
Lake: Nebo
Time of Year: May
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Nebo SFL is a nice little lake. Pulled a 19.75" out of the pads there. I wish I lived a tad closer. It's a ways away for me.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 4:08 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Nebo SFL is a nice little lake. Pulled a 19.75" out of the pads there. I wish I lived a tad closer. It's a ways away for me.
You sir, are the first person I've ever heard of catching a fish out of those pads. I've fished them for hours and never had so much as a bite. Several of my friends have fished them and with the same results I've had. It isn't much to look at but it has an insane number of quality fish over 18". Thankfully it's small enough, far enough away from the major cities, and down enough dusty dirt roads that it doesn't get a ton of pressure.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I wish more lakes had dollar pads. Those ones big as Semi truck tires are hard to fish.
Got it on a buzzbait, July of 2011.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/19/2013 at 10:20 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:I wish more lakes had dollar pads. Those ones big as Semi truck tires are hard to fish.Got it on a buzzbait, July of 2011.
That would also make it the only buzzbait fish I've ever heard of anyone catching out of there, and I've tossed one a lot, well done.
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
On 1/16/2013 at 11:47 PM, retro basser said:Favorite Rod/Reel:--- 7' North Fork Composite Custom/Shimano Curado 50e
All-around line:
--- Seaguar Flouro
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football:
--- Not too picky brand wise and the head matches the application, as long as it is some mixture of brown and green with a Rage Tail craw
Crankbait:
--- Had a couple monster days with a Rat-l-tap early in the spring.
Finesse Bait:
-- Ned
Topwater:
--- What an absolute shame. I don't think I caught one topwater fish this year.
Plastic:
--- Really like the Rage Tail line
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
On 1/18/2013 at 11:44 PM, CCC-Drew said:Maybe we should do this as well:
2012 Biggest Local Bass
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale): 4 lbs 7 oz SM (PB) ..... 5 lb 4 oz LM
Lure: Ned rig ..... 1/2 oz Chrome/blue Rat-l-trap
Pattern: Slow ...... Burning
Lake: Melvern .... Lone Star
Time of Year: November ...... April
joefish reply :
Just wanting to find out. . . . . . 
Are there any old retired guys that read or post to this forum topic? Not that I mind the youngsters, heck I've learned quite a bit from reading their postings. I retired last Spring and would like to find someone close to my age that is retired and is able to go fishing about any time they want. Basically I'm lookiing for a fishing partner that lives close to Wyandotte County lake. 
I have a boat and would like to put someone in the back seat. If anybody is out there send me a PM and maybe we can get together this spring.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Probably going to have an empty back seat this Thursday if anyone is interested, just let me know.
Hi Salenity reply :
Just a heads up Olathe BPS has LC Pointers for 20% off.
retro basser reply :
On 1/18/2013 at 1:57 AM, Hi Salenity said:Out of one tin can and into another.Only this ones older and not as nice. LOL
http://www.tinboats.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=28777
Wow. I gotta admit I dont know if I would have the determination to tear out and redo an entire deck framing once I got that close... you are a credit to your craft sir!
That looks like a fun project to do if your not in a hurry. And no fiberglass grinding to deal with must be nice. Wish i had a garage.
On 1/18/2013 at 11:45 PM, CCC-Drew said:On 1/18/2013 at 11:44 PM, CCC-Drew said:2012 Biggest Local Bass
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale):
21'' 5lb+
Lure:
weightless brush hog
Pattern:
slack fall
Lake:
Perry
Time of Year:
August
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 1/20/2013 at 10:37 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Probably going to have an empty back seat this Thursday if anyone is interested, just let me know.
Where ya heading?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/21/2013 at 5:16 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Where ya heading?
If the wind cooperates I'm going back to Coffey County. If it's supposed to be more than I'd like then I'll be heading to La Cygne.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I'd love to have another shot at Coffey County, but I don't think my schedule (well, my wifes schedule) will cooperate this Thursday. Keep posting and I'm sure the planets will align one of these times I can ride shotgun with ya. Seems like you boys know how to fish ways I'm not proficient at. I'm use to the thick of thickest, where you need 55lb braid to pull 3lb fish up with 10 lbs of slop attached. Using electronics, fishing structure, and places I can't see with my own 2 eyes are GREEK to me.
cbass12 reply :
On 1/21/2013 at 10:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:If the wind cooperates I'm going back to Coffey County. If it's supposed to be more than I'd like then I'll be heading to La Cygne.
Supposed to be nice Wednesday. If you could stand going when you get off work I might be able to get away, just have to get daycare figured out.
pbrussell reply :
Been a while since I've logged in. Is it spring yet?
I'll play this game, even though I'm a little late.
Favorite Rod / Reel: Probably my new skeet reese spinnerbait rod/ lews speed spool. I didn't get to use it much as I bought it late in the season, but that thing is smooth as butter.
All-around line: The new "improved" trilene formulas. That stuff is pretty great for the price.
Jig / Shakeyhead / Football: Didn't do great with jigs this year. I would say I swam jigs a lot more this season, and had success with it when other things weren't working. Generally a 3/8 ounce jig in pbj with a paca chunk trailer.
Crankbait: Strike king 1.5, 2.5, and red eye shad were all big producers for me this year
Finesse Bait: Not only the ned rig, but also a finesse style with 4" netbait worm.
Topwater: Poppers.
Plastic: Havoc Pit Boss, Tubes of all colors/sizes
pbrussell reply :
Weight (or length if you didn't have a scale): 6.3 Largemouth, 3.5 smallmouth (pb)
Lure: Crankbaits
Pattern: Targeting rip-rap, rock and grass
Lake: Melvern
Time of Year: April, and fall in general (both of my big fish mentioned came late season).
Bluebasser86 reply :
cbass (Ryan) and I hit Wolf Creek after I got off work this morning. Didn't get any big wipers, or crappies, or bass. Other than big white bass we didn't catch anything real big but man the big whites were eating big time. As soon as we launched I spotted a bunch of gulls diving to the north of the ramp so we headed there first instead of the outlet. Ryan caught one his first cast and I missed one and then caught one my next cast. Flutter spoons, traps, swimbaits, and deep cranks were the baits of choice for the whites. The largemouth we caught were almost all on flukes. We put 110 fish in the boat, probably at least 90 of them were whites. Lots of doubles and even one triple thanks to Ryan's solo double.
Chris S reply :
Did ya go out today??
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nope, took the puppy out to Hillsdale and walked the bank looking for lures then walked the woods looking for sheds, not much luck doing either. Found 3 crankbaits, 2 of them unusable, and a bunch of bobbers. Didn't find any sheds but I did find a good looking pond back in the trees on public land. Looked like it had good depth and had some nice laydowns and over hanging trees. Probably have to go back out there during the spring.
Chris S reply :
My neighbor told me there was a pond back in the woods down past the bridge in that last cove. He use to land his boat and walk back in and fish it years ago.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/25/2013 at 11:52 PM, Chris Schauer said:My neighbor told me there was a pond back in the woods down past the bridge in that last cove. He use to land his boat and walk back in and fish it years ago.
There is a big one way in the back of one of the arms that I'm going to go check out next time I take her out there. It looks like a really good sized pond but I highly doubt you could get a boat back to it as low as the lake is but it looks like there is a place to park maybe a few hundred yards away. The pond I walked yesterday was not real big but it looked good from what I could see about it.
nokturnal_one@msn.com reply :
Any body going to the Bassmaster Classic down in Tulsa? My wife and I are moving back to Utah the beginning of March and for our one last mid-west adventure my parents are flying in and we are going to enjoy the launches, competition, and the expo. Plus my birthday is on Feb 20th so its going to be the ultimate birthday present.Tomorrow, the wife and I are going to explore the edges on nearby lakes and see what kind of lures we can find. Last year I was able to find about 10 crankbaits, hopefully I can make up for all those I lost last year.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/27/2013 at 11:58 AM, nokturnal_one@msn.com said:Any body going to the Bassmaster Classic down in Tulsa? My wife and I are moving back to Utah the beginning of March and for our one last mid-west adventure my parents are flying in and we are going to enjoy the launches, competition, and the expo. Plus my birthday is on Feb 20th so its going to be the ultimate birthday present.Tomorrow, the wife and I are going to explore the edges on nearby lakes and see what kind of lures we can find. Last year I was able to find about 10 crankbaits, hopefully I can make up for all those I lost last year.
I'll be there with Jon and Chris (basshunter0731 and kanasbassfisher08). Going to the Expo and weigh in the first day, be on the water day 2, and back for the expo and final weigh in day 3. There's a thread in the General Forum, trying to get some kind of BR meet and greet going for guys that are going to be there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went and walked the dam at Gardner with the dog looking for baits and making a few casts. Found 6 crankbaits and managed to catch one dink on a jerkbait. He may have gone 8" but my first fish of the year not from Coffey of La Cygne!
sizzlefry reply :
just got back on again sure missed it. I came home new years eve to find my house robbed and all my computers taken. just got a new one. went to Hillsdale yesterday with Chris and went surfing on 4 foot high waves lost the ability to have kids lol and didn't catch a fish and dropped a fishing rig in 20 feet of water ( I hate Hillsdale now) but after 20 minutes of trying to snag my pole I got it back. anyway hope to get out again and tear it up.
Chris S reply :
On 1/30/2013 at 4:00 AM, sizzlefry said:went to Hillsdale yesterday with Chris and went surfing on 4 foot high waves lost the ability to have kids lol and didn't catch a fish and dropped a fishing rig in 20 feet of water ( I hate Hillsdale now) but after 20 minutes of trying to snag my pole I got it back. anyway hope to get out again and tear it up.
I told you we should have gone to Lacygne but some one had to work a half day!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/30/2013 at 4:00 AM, sizzlefry said:just got back on again sure missed it. I came home new years eve to find my house robbed and all my computers taken. just got a new one. went to Hillsdale yesterday with Chris and went surfing on 4 foot high waves lost the ability to have kids lol and didn't catch a fish and dropped a fishing rig in 20 feet of water ( I hate Hillsdale now) but after 20 minutes of trying to snag my pole I got it back. anyway hope to get out again and tear it up.
Welcome to the club!
Fisher_C reply :
Hey everyone
I live in the manhattan area and have recently got back from deployment. I was wondering if anyone fishef up in this area at all. I was also wanting to know if anyone ever needed a boating partner seeing how i dont have one. Other then tjat any advice for the lakes here in manhattan would be appreciated.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/30/2013 at 10:25 AM, Fisher_C said:Hey everyoneI live in the manhattan area and have recently got back from deployment. I was wondering if anyone fishef up in this area at all. I was also wanting to know if anyone ever needed a boating partner seeing how i dont have one. Other then tjat any advice for the lakes here in manhattan would be appreciated.
I was born in Manhattan and grew up near there (St.George). Spent a lot of time fishing Pott. 2, Tuttle Creek, Milford, Alma, Rocky Ford, River Pond, and the ponds in the area. Milford is by far my favorite for the variety and quality of the fish available there. I get back there a couple times a year normally, usually to fish Milford. I'll have an empty back of the boat about every other week this year and fish some lakes that are about half way between here and Manhattan if you're interested in meeting halfway. You can PM me for more info about the lakes in your area.
Fisher_C reply :
On 1/30/2013 at 11:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I was born in Manhattan and grew up near there (St.George). Spent a lot of time fishing Pott. 2, Tuttle Creek, Milford, Alma, Rocky Ford, River Pond, and the ponds in the area. Milford is by far my favorite for the variety and quality of the fish available there. I get back there a couple times a year normally, usually to fish Milford. I'll have an empty back of the boat about every other week this year and fish some lakes that are about half way between here and Manhattan if you're interested in meeting halfway. You can PM me for more info about the lakes in your area.
Pm'd thank you and looking forward to talking to you.
Hi Salenity reply :
Ware is a good place to get a Mercury worked on? I have a 40 Merc with no fire and I'm tired of throwing parts at it.
joefish reply :
On 1/31/2013 at 1:19 AM, Hi Salenity said:Ware is a good place to get a Mercury worked on? I have a 40 Merc with no fire and I'm tired of throwing parts at it.
I have used US Boatworks in Kansas City, Ks down on Nineth and Osage. They did a coumplete rebuuild for me a couple years ago on a Johnson, quikck service and runs great still today. They work on all brands and they do boat engine work and not boat stuff. Reasonable prices as well.
http://www.usboatworks.com/
Chris S reply :
On 1/30/2013 at 11:56 AM, Fisher_C said:Pm'd thank you and looking forward to talking to you.
Dont pass him up, he will put you on the fish, even the biggest drum you ever caught in your life !!
Welcome Home and thank you for your service!!
SuperFluke reply :
On 1/31/2013 at 2:50 AM, joefish said:I have used US Boatworks in Kansas City, Ks down on Nineth and Osage. They did a coumplete rebuuild for me a couple years ago on a Johnson, quikck service and runs great still today. They work on all brands and they do boat engine work and not boat stuff. Reasonable prices as well.
http://www.usboatworks.com/
I actually wouldn't recommend US Boatworks. They had my ProCraft at their shop for a couple of weeks while they did diagnostics on a carb issue I was having. They took it to the river and then forgot to take the plug out afterwards. The remnants of the hurricane came through that next weekend, and my boat sat literally overflowing with water for several days. They didn't even realize it until I came to pick it up in the middle of the next week. Needless to say, I haven't been back. I had decent experiences with their mechanics, but the management is terrible in my opinion. Bass pro or cabelas for me.
Fisher_C reply :
On 1/31/2013 at 6:15 AM, Chris Schauer said:Dont pass him up, he will put you on the fish, even the biggest drum you ever caught in your life
Welcome Home and thank you for your service!!
thank you and i cant wait for it..
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 1/31/2013 at 1:19 AM, Hi Salenity said:Ware is a good place to get a Mercury worked on? I have a 40 Merc with no fire and I'm tired of throwing parts at it.
Frank's Marine in Lansing, Ks is where I take mine. They do good work and are very reasonably priced. Cabela's takes you behind the woodshed in hourly labor rates, don't know about Bass Pro's rates but I'm sure they're high just because they can be. Turn around at Cabela's is terrible too. I took my old Ranger there once during the summer and it took nearly 2 months to get it back, just to get the steering bled. I've heard good things about US boats from friends and it's where my dad takes his boat but never dealt with them personally. Denny, the guy at the boat house at Wyandotte is a wizard with older, smaller hp motors. He got my old 15hp Johnson to where it fires up the first pull every time after it wouldn't even turnover when I bought it. Not the friendliest guy around but he knows older motors as good as anyone I've ever seen. He gets those 30 year old motors that fools leave locked in ice at the boat docks all winter to start every year anyways.
joefish reply :
I Agree ..........................Cabela's takes you behind the woodshed in hourly labor rates, don't know about Bass Pro's rates but I'm sure they're high just because they can be. Turn around at Cabela's is terrible too. .............. Denny, the guy at the boat house at Wyandotte is a wizard with older, smaller hp motors.
I just went into Cabela's boat shop to get a couple wheel seals for my trailer and WOW . . . . . Denny Poeterfield at Wyandotte is a really good tech on the older stuff and reasonable.... he did some work for me on a late 80's 60hp Evinrude one time and really got her going.
I would not be hesitant to take my stuff to US Boatworks, as I posted earlier they rebuilt my locked up Johnson and got it done in a week so I could make my smallmouth trip to Ontario.
Bluebasser86 reply :
RIP the biggest bass I've seen at Hillsdale Lake, probably one of the only ones in there
bassinKS reply :
Fisher_C pm'd you
Chris S reply :
On 2/1/2013 at 9:41 AM, Bluebasser86 said:RIP the biggest bass I've seen at Hillsdale Lake, probably one of the only ones in there
How much do you think it weighed?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/2/2013 at 4:06 AM, Chris Schauer said:How much do you think it weighed?
4 or 5 pounds, would have been a keeper for sure! I've walked a lot of the bank the last couple weeks out there looking for baits and that's the first dead fish other than a drum or shad I've seen. I've got 16 cranks sitting on my lure building table waiting on new split rings and trebles that I've found out there though. If I could find a market for bobbers, empty shotgun shells, or rusty crappie jigs I'd be sitting pretty!
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Kdwpt updated Density Sampling. Nebo highested rated lake for >20" fish. I know where Im going this July!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 9:20 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Kdwpt updated Density Sampling. Nebo highested rated lake for >20" fish. I know where Im going this July!!!
8.91 pound fish from La Cygne, that's what keeps me going back there.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I will try to fish La Cygne this year. From the yak of course.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 11:38 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:I will try to fish La Cygne this year. From the yak of course.
Pick a day with light winds and go during the week. Cold, nasty days are usually the best days. Don't go during the summer, you flip your yak and you'll boil alive.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
If the outlet is anything like coffey county, id have to steer clear. Too much current to cope with
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/3/2013 at 10:10 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:If the outlet is anything like coffey county, id have to steer clear. Too much current to cope with
It's stronger than Coffey, probably twice as strong. Good thing is you could pull your yak to the end of the point at the outlet and fish a lot of the outlet and be out of the current.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Good call. Any of you boys hit Critzer up? My yak fishing friend has fished it quite a few times. Its a bit outta tge way for me, but really wanna get out there.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
If any of you boys wanna fancy kayak fishing. Give me a holler. I have 2 yaks. Just bring your fishing tackle and a PFD.
Hi Salenity reply :
I sold my Yacks last summer, I'd take you up on that if you still have them once the water warms up.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Oh. I dont see myself selling soon. Lol. As much as I love the bigger boats. Taxes arent kind for them. ;-)
Bluebasser86 reply :
I know of some pits north of Topeka that you can only access by float tube or yak. I've fished them once from a kayak and did pretty well but it wasn't a fishing kayak and it was a little spooky. I'd be willing to try them again but that's a long haul for you.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Ive driven to Nebo, Melvern many times, Garnett, even Wilson. It would just need to be planned. Spur of the moment trips need to be less than 1.5 hr trip commute.
My kayaks are super stable. Commander120, I can stand and fish comfortably. Other is a Pescador 12.0, which is a Tarpon120 clone. Not a standing yak, but still super stable.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/4/2013 at 8:29 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Ive driven to Nebo, Melvern many times, Garnett, even Wilson. It would just need to be planned. Spur of the moment trips need to be less than 1.5 hr trip commute.
My kayaks are super stable. Commander120, I can stand and fish comfortably. Other is a Pescador 12.0, which is a Tarpon120 clone. Not a standing yak, but still super stable.
Assuming they're still public access again this year I'd be interested in fishing them again. Check out the intersection of Highways 4 and 16 in Valley Falls, KS. All those pits on the southeast side of the intersection have been on the FISH atlas for the last few years at least. You'd have to carry your gear down a fairly step hill and there is only 2 pits you can launch into to get to the other pits but it's very doable. I caught largemouth up to 4lbs and lots of quality fish over 2 pounds, some huge sunfish, and even a walleye. With the clear water it would probably be a fun trip when they're eating jerkbaits in the spring.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Thats the kind of places I dig. I dragged my gear 1/2 a mile to a place. Lug it up and over a fence. Some of those Atlas places are gold. Others I've found stink.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/4/2013 at 12:49 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Thats the kind of places I dig. I dragged my gear 1/2 a mile to a place. Lug it up and over a fence. Some of those Atlas places are gold. Others I've found stink.
I know one of the atlas ponds we fished last year was really shallow but had some really nice fish in it. The best cover was right in the guys back yard and he decided that portion was off limits when we were there. I was going to explain to him that's not how it works but decided against it.
There are plenty of pits and plenty of water in that one area to spend an entire day there. The three bigger pits are probably 5-10 acres apiece so there's plenty of water to cover but the high banks protect you from the wind pretty well also.
Chris S reply :
Thinking about Weds Lacygne anyone else heading out?
bkohlman reply :
I love fishing the atlas ponds, We have a decent one in Butler county, but I have to travel decent distance for most.....what are some of your other faves?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/5/2013 at 7:11 AM, Chris Schauer said:Thinking about Weds Lacygne anyone else heading out?
I'll be out there Thursday, make sure to put up a report when you get back FYI to anyone thinking about going to Coffey County I heard today the plant is shut down for the next month so don't expect warm water if you head out there.
On 2/5/2013 at 10:03 AM, bkohlman said:I love fishing the atlas ponds, We have a decent one in Butler county, but I have to travel decent distance for most.....what are some of your other faves?
The only good ones I've been to other than those pits in Valley Falls were one in Douglas Co and then one down by Pittsburg that I fished too early in the year but still did pretty well.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 2/5/2013 at 10:03 AM, bkohlman said:I love fishing the atlas ponds, We have a decent one in Butler county, but I have to travel decent distance for most.....what are some of your other faves?
Im in Derby, where you at?
bkohlman reply :
Augusta
Mr_Scrogg reply :
We should get together and fish Butler SFL. Im sure you do better there than me. Maybe I can pick up a few things. LOL
Chris S reply :
On 2/5/2013 at 10:40 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I'll be out there Thursday, make sure to put up a report when you get back
Leaving bad luck at home this trip
Doc-Drew reply :
On 2/5/2013 at 7:11 AM, Chris Schauer said:Thinking about Weds Lacygne anyone else heading out?
I may be heading out there Saturday if nothing comes up. I will be looking forward to hearing from the two fishing reports.
Hi Salenity reply :
Hopefully ill have this boat ready to fish by next weekend, and I can get back to fishing. Have fun guys.
Chris S reply :
On 2/6/2013 at 9:40 AM, Hi Salenity said:Hopefully ill have this boat ready to fish by next weekend, and I can get back to fishing. Have fun guys.
Those pics of the new rig are awesome!!! Nice work!!
Hi Salenity reply :
Thanks
sizzlefry reply :
going wenesday to lacygne with chris already feeling good about it maybe cause its not HILLSDALE.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/6/2013 at 12:52 PM, sizzlefry said:going wenesday to lacygne with chris already feeling good about it maybe cause its not HILLSDALE.
I've seen enough days where La Cygne was almost impossible to even get a bite. You'll have nice weather so it may be a little crowded with it being nice but at least you won't be fishing in the rain like I will be Thursday.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 2/6/2013 at 1:12 PM, Bluebasser86 said:I've seen enough days where La Cygne was almost impossible to even get a bite. You'll have nice weather so it may be a little crowded with it being nice but at least you won't be fishing in the rain like I will be Thursday.
I'd rather fish in the rain, then in blue bird skies.
Jesse James reply :
Are any of you KC area guys going to be fishing the Mr. Bass tourney on La Cygnes here in March? I'm thinking about it, but it's a long drive for me. Never fished the lake, but heard good things about it.
Chris S reply :
Wind out of the South at Lacygne thats my report.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/7/2013 at 7:55 AM, Chris Schauer said:Wind out of the South at Lacygne thats my report.
That good huh? I've got everything rigged up for tomorrow, I guess I'll put a couple extra sticks of dynamite in the boat too.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/7/2013 at 8:46 AM, Bluebasser86 said:That good huh? I've got everything rigged up for tomorrow, I guess I'll put a couple extra sticks of dynamite in the boat too.
Not even the dynamite worked today 2 dinks and I had to use a live shad to catch one of those. Had a couple short strikes on a crankbait and missed 4 on a shakyhead. Had one chase a jig back to the boat and Jon lost one on a spinnerbait that wrapped him up and came off. The other one I caught was on a swimbait.
Doc-Drew reply :
They had a tournament out at Lacygne so there wasn't much room to fish. I did manage to sneak a 16" in the boat in a spot that a guy abandoned about a minute earlier. I only had one other bite all day.
retro basser reply :
Man i give you guys credit for getting after em in the winter. Sounds pretty tough right now.
Thanks to whoever spotted the KDWP Forecast was up last week. I cleaned up the data a little and made the "winners and losers" reports for LMB lakes. I still had the KDWP 2011 forecast from the last time so I did it to compare which lakes average bass density changed the most since then... for good and bad.
Some of our favorite lakes are on both lists actually
Winners:
2013 KS Lakes 2 year winners.pdf
Losers:
2013 KS Lakes 2 year losers.pdf
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/11/2013 at 5:32 AM, retro basser said:Man i give you guys credit for getting after em in the winter. Sounds pretty tough right now.
Thanks to whoever spotted the KDWP Forecast was up last week. I cleaned up the data a little and made the "winners and losers" reports for LMB lakes. I still had the KDWP 2011 forecast from the last time so I did it to compare which lakes average bass density changed the most since then... for good and bad.
Some of our favorite lakes are on both lists actually
Winners:
Losers:
2013 KS Lakes 2 year winners.pdfI'm assuming red means a decrease in size/numbers?
These forecasts are always interesting to read but I'm never really sure what to make of them. Like Melvern is rated only fair for smallmouth and the biggest fish they sampled was only 2.79 pounds? I think weather/time of year/areas checked probably have a lot to do with their samples. Since the electrofishing gear only works to about 15 feet deep it always seems like shallower lakes have truer numbers. If they happen to sample a deeper lake on a post cold front day when all the fish drop off into deeper water I couldn't see them getting a very accurate look at the true population of a lake.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I dont put all my stock into these reports for the larger lakes. But for ElDorado to have a decent rating for smallies.... Im intrigued. Gonna have to try my luck a few times.
retro basser reply :
On 2/11/2013 at 7:12 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I'm assuming red means a decrease in size/numbers?
These forecasts are always interesting to read but I'm never really sure what to make of them. Like Melvern is rated only fair for smallmouth and the biggest fish they sampled was only 2.79 pounds? I think weather/time of year/areas checked probably have a lot to do with their samples. Since the electrofishing gear only works to about 15 feet deep it always seems like shallower lakes have truer numbers. If they happen to sample a deeper lake on a post cold front day when all the fish drop off into deeper water I couldn't see them getting a very accurate look at the true population of a lake.
Yep, red is always bad.
There is definitley alot of luck involved in the sampling and shallow lakes do always seem to do really well, which would make perfect sense if the 'zapper' only works to 15ft.
I pretty much just pay attention to biggest fish and always use the lake's 3 year average for these sorts of comparisons. And while alot of them make sense (good scoring lakes like Miami DO hold fish), you can also be misled.
I'd say more than anything it's useful to tell you where NOT to go fishing..
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/12/2013 at 10:57 PM, retro basser said:Yep, red is always bad.
There is definitley alot of luck involved in the sampling and shallow lakes do always seem to do really well, which would make perfect sense if the 'zapper' only works to 15ft.
I pretty much just pay attention to biggest fish and always use the lake's 3 year average for these sorts of comparisons. And while alot of them make sense (good scoring lakes like Miami DO hold fish), you can also be misled.
I'd say more than anything it's useful to tell you where NOT to go fishing..
That's what I normally pay attention to but I somehow missed that the biggest fish sampled from the "lakes" category was not from Nebo but from Critzer with a fish over 8.5lbs! I wasn't impressed with that lake but if it really has fish like that in it I may have to give it another chance.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Took the dog out in the boat for the first time at Olathe today and fished for about an hour and a half. Water was 42.7-40.6. Fished a shakyhead, jerkbait, and jigging spoon, nada. Guy floating minnows under a bobber caught a decent crappie but that was the only one he'd caught in a couple hours.
Hi Salenity reply :
I think I got the boat ready for its maiden voyage. I think I'll go to paola tomorrow and see if it'll float.
Wish me luck!
Hi Salenity reply :
Hey Blue, how'd the dog do in the boat? How old is she?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/14/2013 at 10:03 AM, Hi Salenity said:Hey Blue, how'd the dog do in the boat? How old is she?
She did really well, wasn't real excited about getting in the boat at first but after putting her in the boat she took to it pretty fast. She wasn't sure what to think of the big motor at first either but got over that pretty quickly. I bought a smaller dog bed for her that she laid on while I was moving with the big motor and then stood next to me watching the water while I was fishing. She's about 4 months old now and has started to show an interest in the water. She hasn't swam yet but she'll walk into the water without too much coaxing. I'm sure before long I'll be working to keep her out of the water.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
My dog just barks at the water, likes to get in while he can touch, after that he freaks a bit. Shelties are made for the rolling farmland, not water. Hahaha
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/14/2013 at 1:16 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:My dog just barks at the water, likes to get in while he can touch, after that he freaks a bit. Shelties are made for the rolling farmland, not water. Hahaha
One of my wife's shelties loves the water, the other one hasn't really gotten a chance to be around the water.
kylek reply :
Is Melvern any good this time of year? Going to be in the 50s on Sunday (at least for now) and I want to get into some smallmouth bad!!!
inunishi reply :
Heading for LaCygne this Sunday, it has to be better than last Sunday.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/14/2013 at 11:13 PM, kylek said:Is Melvern any good this time of year? Going to be in the 50s on Sunday (at least for now) and I want to get into some smallmouth bad!!!
On 2/14/2013 at 11:13 PM, kylek said:Is Melvern any good this time of year? Going to be in the 50s on Sunday (at least for now) and I want to get into some smallmouth bad!!!
After the 2 cold days in a row we're suppose to have I wouldn't have very high hopes if I was headed down there. All the zebra mussels pretty much take away most of the real cold water techniques I'd be using. I know the crappie fishermen are catching a few on minnows and crappie tubes though.
On 2/14/2013 at 11:57 PM, inunishi said:Heading for LaCygne this Sunday, it has to be better than last Sunday.
Welcome to the forum! La Cygne has been really tough lately and it's usually worse on the weekend, especially if it's nice outside. 5 different members that I know of went last week and I think between all of us on 3 different days managed to boat 5 or 6 fish.
inunishi reply :
Two weeks ago I really have fun watching Fish and Game double ticket people. Once at the hot water outlet for pole/hooks and then in the parking lot for creel limits.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/15/2013 at 12:20 AM, inunishi said:Two weeks ago I really have fun watching Fish and Game double ticket people. Once at the hot water outlet for pole/hooks and then in the parking lot for creel limits.
I've never seen them do anything but give warnings to people and confiscate gear from people. Most people at the outlet it doesn't do much good to ticket because they don't exist in the system.
inunishi reply :
On 2/15/2013 at 7:33 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I've never seen them do anything but give warnings to people and confiscate gear from people. Most people at the outlet it doesn't do much good to ticket because they don't exist in the system.
"Gear" you mean the beer bottles with line wrapped around them?
BTW
I have a gasoline welder / generator I would like to trade for a canoe.
micahthorlawson reply :
Think I am heading out to MI CO SFL tommorrow, has anyone been out there in recently?
Hi Salenity reply :
On 2/16/2013 at 6:31 AM, micahthorlawson said:Think I am heading out to MI CO SFL tommorrow, has anyone been out there in recently?
Not in a long time, tell me how it goes.
Hi Salenity reply :
Bad news guys, The Olathe BPS now caries Megabass 110s!
The odd thing is they have barbs on all 3 hooks.
Bluebasser86 reply :
After walking Hillsdale a little yesterday and seeing some folks catching crappie under the Gardner Bridge my plan had been to get some minnows today and see if I could catch a few. Stopped at the baitshop/gas station in Hillsdale and the guy behind the counter said a couple guys had caught over 200 crappie at the outlet yesterday. Said they were thick in there and hungry. He must have been right because I was even able to catch a few They started liking the minnows but by the end they were preferring a jig. I don't know how deep the outlet is but I started fishing the bottom couple feet with very little luck. Once I noticed the guy on the other side catching fish fast only had his bobber set only about 2 feet down I moved my bobber up and started catching them right away. Fished for about 2 hours and caught probably between 40-50 crappie, 8-12 channel cats, and a BASS!
Most crappie were 8-10 inches with a few up to 12"
I guess they have been doing work on the outlet on the lake side and it's killed a bunch of fish in the outlet, mainly drum. They stunk pretty bad but but there was still plenty of fish to be caught. You can see all the dead fish laying along the bank.
One of my biggest crappie was a pretty fish.
micahthorlawson reply :
Awesome! i didn't get out to MI CO yesterday...But hope to get out soon!
micahthorlawson reply :
Got out to Miami County today... Didn't catch one fish. mainly fished jerkbaits, but thre an a-rig some, shakey head, and wiggle wart around the rocks. Talked to two other people fishing, no one had caught anything. First time I ever have zero-ed out there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I've never done well at Miami this early in the year. I tried late March last year and caught a decent number of fish but the average size was way smaller than normal for out there, we probably caught one bigger than 15" all day and lots barely bigger than the jerkbait.
Hi Salenity reply :
On 2/18/2013 at 8:24 AM, micahthorlawson said:Got out to Miami County today... Didn't catch one fish. mainly fished jerkbaits, but thre an a-rig some, shakey head, and wiggle wart around the rocks. Talked to two other people fishing, no one had caught anything. First time I ever have zero-ed out there.
Tell me about the A-rig you threw.
micahthorlawson reply :
On 2/18/2013 at 9:56 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I've never done well at Miami this early in the year. I tried late March last year and caught a decent number of fish but the average size was way smaller than normal for out there, we probably caught one bigger than 15" all day and lots barely bigger than the jerkbait.
I caught some last Feb last year, but with similiar results, I think one was over 15". ANd Spring came super early last year.
On 2/18/2013 at 10:42 AM, Hi Salenity said:Tell me about the A-rig you threw.
It was a 3 wire, bladed rig. FIrst time I have ever thrown this particular one. I picked it up at the sportshow. used 3/8 OZ jig heads with 4 inch Reaction INnovations skinny dippers.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/18/2013 at 10:17 PM, micahthorlawson said:I caught some last Feb last year, but with similiar results, I think one was over 15". ANd Spring came super early last year.
It was a 3 wire, bladed rig. FIrst time I have ever thrown this particular one. I picked it up at the sportshow. used 3/8 OZ jig heads with 4 inch Reaction INnovations skinny dippers.
Just with 2 hooks then? I've thought about doing that with one of my 3 arm rigs but it seems the 3 arm versions aren't nearly as effective as the 5 arm and since you can only have 2 baits on one in Kansas just doesn't seem like it would work very well.
micahthorlawson reply :
On 2/18/2013 at 11:43 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Just with 2 hooks then? I've thought about doing that with one of my 3 arm rigs but it seems the 3 arm versions aren't nearly as effective as the 5 arm and since you can only have 2 baits on one in Kansas just doesn't seem like it would work very well.
Yep. I hate the A-rigs, the only reason I threw it at all is because I have a tournament at Table Rock in early march as a co-angler. There is about a good chance that will be what my boater is throwing so I am trying to get a some confidence with it. Even when I use the 5 wires in MO I can never seem to get the dummy swim baits to swim well.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I haven't heard much about A-rigs at Table Rock this winter like last year, just a few reports here and there. Most of what I've been hearing has been jerkbaits and warts. If you haven't been on OA they have a great group of guys, most that live on Table Rock including some long time guides, that give very detailed reports about the lake.
micahthorlawson reply :
Thanks Bluebasser86! i will check it out!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well I'm bored at work so I thought I'd check out some of the fishing forecast for some of those other fish I like to fish for. I was checking out the white bass forecast because I know Gardner Lake used to have some really nice ones. Like usual I was going down the list checking which lake had the biggest fish sampled but when I got to the Melvern River pond my eyes about popped out of my head!
http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast/White-Bass/Lakes
5.88 pound white bass?!! That had to be a wiper or a misprint or something or they rolled up a state record sized white bass out of the river pond at Melvern.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 2/19/2013 at 12:29 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Well I'm bored at work so I thought I'd check out some of the fishing forecast for some of those other fish I like to fish for. I was checking out the white bass forecast because I know Gardner Lake used to have some really nice ones. Like usual I was going down the list checking which lake had the biggest fish sampled but when I got to the Melvern River pond my eyes about popped out of my head!
http://kdwpt.state.ks.us/news/Fishing/Fishing-Forecast/White-Bass/Lakes
5.88 pound white bass?!! That had to be a wiper or a misprint or something or they rolled up a state record sized white bass out of the river pond at Melvern.
I saw that. I about **** my pants. had to be a misprint, the 2 is directly under the 5, maybe it's suppose to be 2.88lb White.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Still an almost 3 pound white is a big arse white bass! I've fished that river pond once but I would be interested in trying it again if it has monster whites in it.
Chris S reply :
Hey Blue
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/spo/3609147589.html
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 4:20 AM, Chris Schauer said:Hey Blue
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/spo/3609147589.html
Oh boy, and here I am without any extra spending money
Chris S reply :
On 2/20/2013 at 2:38 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Oh boy, and here I am without any extra spending money
ouch!!
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm thinking about dragging my neighbors john boat around town with my truck.
pbrussell reply :
snowmageddon
Bluebasser86 reply :
I'm excited to get to drive to Oklahoma pulling my boat in this crap tonight Spent 3 hours clearing our driveway and the neighbors driveway earlier today so hopefully I'll have some good karma for the drive.
sizzlefry reply :
post photos, hope you made it safely, tell Iconelli I said hey lol wish I was there.On 2/22/2013 at 6:30 AM, Bluebasser86 said:I'm excited to get to drive to Oklahoma pulling my boat in this crap tonight
Bluebasser86 reply :
Classic was a blast. Didn't spend as much money as I thought I might at the Expo and didn't bother any of the pros there, they were all pretty busy with fans as it was. Chris and I did get to meet and talk with Mr. Steve Parks a.k.a. Big O for a few minutes, real nice guy and he's got some new designs in the oven that I'm excited to see Saw a lot of guys and did get a couple good deals on some baits and a Fish Headz mask. Saw lots of guys on the water, did a little fishing and caught some nice healthy Grand Lake bass. Jon actually caught his new PB at the end of the second day right as it was getting dark, 6.94 pounds on a Pro Blue Rick Clunn RC stick. I didn't have my camera so I'll have to get the pictures from him. She was super fat, only 21.5" long and just shy of 7 and busting at the seams. Scary fight, she had one back hook through a little piece of skin on the under side of her gill cover. Chris had a 4.12 today and I had a limit on a day when 11 of the top 25 of the classic failed to catch a limit. Final weigh in was a neat deal, took quite a bit of video. Not taking the night off from work tonight was poor planning, I've been up since 7am and won't get off until 8am, going to be a long night I'll try to get some pictures and videos up tomorrow.
cbass12 reply :
You looked a bit like a zombie when I saw you at 8.......
Bluebasser86 reply :
A few pics from the Classic.
One of several keeper bass I caught on a jerkbait from Grand.
Chris' 4.12lb largemouth he caught right before we went to the final weigh in.
Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of Jon's 6.94 pounder he caught Saturday.
Edwin Evers digging rods out of his rod locker.
Mike McClelland joking with the fans before launch.
Randy Howell's boat.
Dean Rojas giving out baits to kids at the ramp.
Hi Salenity reply :
Anyone getting out tomorrow ?
I think me and Lance are going to try Melvern.
Hi Salenity reply :
I'm ashamed to say this but I'm going to try to wash the Skunk off, I haven't caught a fish since November!!!!!!!!!!!!!
KansasBASS9948 reply :
On 2/15/2013 at 12:17 AM, Bluebasser86 said:After the 2 cold days in a row we're suppose to have I wouldn't have very high hopes if I was headed down there. All the zebra mussels pretty much take away most of the real cold water techniques I'd be using. I know the crappie fishermen are catching a few on minnows and crappie tubes though.
Welcome to the forum! La Cygne has been really tough lately and it's usually worse on the weekend, especially if it's nice outside. 5 different members that I know of went last week and I think between all of us on 3 different days managed to boat 5 or 6 fish.
La Cygne hasn't done well at all lately. Heck even last year main lake didn't produce hardly at all...I did boat a few nice fish up the river though. Here is a hint....old bridge across the river.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 3/7/2013 at 2:11 AM, Hi Salenity said:Anyone getting out tomorrow ?
I think me and Lance are going to try Melvern.
Make sure to post how you do and the water temp. I have been wanting to try somewhere other than La Cygne. Haven't made it very far up the river yet but I have caught some largemouth and a lot of small whites on the west side.
Hi Salenity reply :
Cool, will do. It looks like we'll only be able to stay for 3-4 hours but that should give us an idea if they are biting yet
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/7/2013 at 2:11 AM, Hi Salenity said:Anyone getting out tomorrow ?
I think me and Lance are going to try Melvern.
Jon and I will be at La Cygne
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/7/2013 at 3:26 AM, KansasBASS9948 said:La Cygne hasn't done well at all lately. Heck even last year main lake didn't produce hardly at all...I did boat a few nice fish up the river though. Here is a hint....old bridge across the river.
The bridge across the river is one of my most dependable spots. Almost always one right at the base of the bridge every time. I like fishing rattling cranks because you can listen to them hit it.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Well as some of you know already Jon and I did pretty good at La Cygne today. Lots of fish I'd guess close to 40 maybe even more. Most of them were smaller, a couple that were over 16 maybe close to 18". Shakyheads, spinnerbaits, traps, jerkbaits, and cranks all caught their share of fish. The rock bank at the mouth of the river was by far our best area with the last point on the west side almost straight across from the outlet being our best spot,we fished it for probably an hour and caught fish for most of that time. We went down lake around noon but found the water was pretty chilly still so we ran over to hit the boat ramp area. Nothing going on, the wind was blowing pretty hard, and I got my Spro Fat John hung on the rocks. I was cruising up to get it loose and did the bowstring pop with no luck. Next time I went to do it it seemed like my line was moving towards the boat? Hard to tell with boat bucking so hard but then the line did start moving off! I figured a carp or catfish swam into my line until a big, bugeyed gal wallowed on top and shook her head. She pulled and pulled and pulled for the longest time and every time she came up I could see she only had 1 hook in the very tip of her bottom lip. Thankfully she stayed stuck and Jon got her in the net. 7.76lbs, 22" long and 17" around.
Hi Salenity reply :
You da mannnnn!!!
KU_Bassmaster. reply :
Well game on!!! Nice!!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/8/2013 at 7:57 AM, Hi Salenity said:You da mannnnn!!!
Did you get to Melvern today?
Mr_Scrogg reply :
d**n son. Nice toad
Hi Salenity reply :
On 3/8/2013 at 9:07 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Did you get to Melvern today?[/quoteLol, no! The forecast before I went to bed was for 9-10 mph winds but they changed it to 20-30 this morning.
sizzlefry reply :
thought about that fish all day at WORK when Chris showed me the pic im jealous
Bluebasser86 reply :
Took Cassidee out in the boat today at Douglas State Lake because it was way too nice to stay at home. Water was still really cold, colder than I'd hoped. It was 39.5 at the dam, 42.7 in the shallow water at the far north end. Fished a jerkbait and jigging spoon a little but the wind made it pretty hard to fish slowly enough. Got one little guy to play right off the big point in the main lake on a deep running Yo-Zuri jerkbait.
Got to go for her first full speed boat ride today too, seemed to enjoy that quite a bit.
KansasAngler reply :
d**n. Nice bass
Bluebasser86 reply :
Cbass12 and I got to Lake Shawnee today to chase some of those big trout I've been hearing so much about. Not sure how many we caught but after a slow start we figured them out pretty good and both of us got our limits on top of releasing several each and I got a bonus crappie. Little Cleos were the main bait of choice but we also caught 6 on a Ned rig just to see if we could. My first trout of the day was also my new PB at 5.79 pounds.
One of Ryan's next fish was a pig and his new PB at 6.43 pounds.
I caught 1 over 4, 2 over 5, and Ryan had his monster to round out our 10 fish limit of fish that we kept. That's a 1X8 board in the picture for scale.
My two piggies, the 5.79 pound fish and a 5.41 pound fish.
kylek reply :
Great job again Clayton. You always seem to be on the big fish!!!
sizzlefry reply :
nice fish guys I hope to do as good at wyco. where did you fish shallow coves or deep near the dam?On 3/14/2013 at 10:50 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Cbass12 and I got to Lake Shawnee today to chase some of those big trout I've been hearing so much about. Not sure how many we caught but after a slow start we figured them out pretty good and both of us got our limits on top of releasing several each and I got a bonus crappie. Little Cleos were the main bait of choice but we also caught 6 on a Ned rig just to see if we could. My first trout of the day was also my new PB at 5.79 pounds.
One of Ryan's next fish was a pig and his new PB at 6.43 pounds.
I caught 1 over 4, 2 over 5, and Ryan had his monster to round out our 10 fish limit of fish that we kept. That's a 1X8 board in the picture for scale.
My two piggies, the 5.79 pound fish and a 5.41 pound fish.
sizzlefry reply :
going to wyco hope to get Chris on board with the trout. maybe we will see some of you out there?
Hi Salenity reply :
Trout tournament next wed/thu ?
KS-Dawg reply :
Man Blue thats an ugly dude with you in the boat!!
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/14/2013 at 9:44 PM, Hi Salenity said:Trout tournament next wed/thu ?
I'm in on Thursday.
sizzlefry reply :
we will if we can depends where
Bluebasser86 reply :
CCC Drew and I fished La Cygne today. Trolling motor problems were the story of the morning and we still caught a few fish. Once I got the motor going again we headed down lake and I caught a 4.39 pound fish pitching a jig into a laydown.
Followed up shortly after that with a 17" and 3.09 pounds on a one knocker.
Caught a few more small ones here and there on several different baits but the wind died down and the sun came out and it got tough. I jumped off a good fish at the outlet on a jig that was for sure in the 5 pound range if not larger. Saw some big fish chasing shad near the shore in the outlet so I tossed my 6" swimbait at them. I was reeling it slowly back to the boat and it just got pounded about 10' from the boat and it barely moved when I set the hook. I really thought I may have just stuck a DD bass. Well it was a DD fish, just not a bass. This big ugly thing shot out of the water 2 or 3 times and was a chore to land with no gloves and a net that I didn't want to trash. Just shy of 15 pounds.
Speaking of shy, can you guess who was hiding in the back of the boat when all hell broke loose in the front of the boat? She wasn't quite as scared of the gar once we were on shore with it though.
Hi Salenity reply :
Did you kill it?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 10:11 AM, Hi Salenity said:Did you kill it?
Nope, turned her loose after the pictures. Need it to eat tons of shad so the bass have fewer options so they can eat my baits more often
pbrussell reply :
I was hoping to hit la cygne this saturday, but it's looking like there's gonna be a pretty strong wind out of the north. Not exactly prime conditions for out there.
Winds are forecasted to be a little lighter around mound city, and critzer lake runs west to east so there should be a lot of wind protected bank if things get with it. If I can get the boat running out of her winterized state, that's where I'll be headed unless the forecast changes to more favorable conditions.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 10:30 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Nope, turned her loose after the pictures. Need it to eat tons of shad so the bass have fewer options so they can eat my baits more often
ya ok ur talking about the bass right
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/15/2013 at 11:02 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:ya ok ur talking about the bass right
Yeah I turned the bass loose, but I was talking about the gar. Pretty sure there's enough shad for everyone in that lake.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I packed up the wife and headed to McPherson SFL. Called for west winds and Mac has hood protection from it. Only got 3 good hours of fishing in, and had 3a solid fish to show. First, 16.5" Solid fish. 2nd cast if the day, Pumpkin Jig and Craw. Followed it all the way back to the yak. When I reeled fast to bring it in, about 2ft from the kayak, she nailed it. 2nd fish was another solid, 17". Came on the "N" Rig, and just felt weight on the line. Both these came in 10FOW. 42-43* water temp.
Last one, another "N"Rig fish. Was in 3-4FOW, and just gave a single, tick when she picked it up.
If you aint fished Mac, well worth the trip. 1/3 lake has Reeds/Cattails. Coontail moss beds, sunken trees, rock, and even some water willow tossed in for good measure. At 46 acres, it fishes more like a bigger lake.
retro basser reply :
It's starrrrting!
I think alot of boats are going to wake up from the winter this week
Bluebasser86 reply :
Went to Gardner for a couple hours today just to get out and enjoy the weather for the minute it was supposed to last. Water temp was 42 at the dam, 47 at the south end. Caught one dink and missed another at the far south end on a STX jerkbait. Guys on the bank were catching catfish and a couple bass on minnows under bobbers. Highlight of the day was getting a Misty Shad colored 100 Pointer out of tree by someones dock Actually saw a blow up near the bank today where some water runs in from a little pond that was a couple degrees warmer than the rest of the lake, couldn't make it bite a bait though.
pbrussell reply :
Off to brave the north winds on critzer. I'm hoping the water temps are at least in the high 40's. If they're anywhere close to the 50's, I expect a good day. Anyhow, I imagine my buddy and I are gonna freeze. I'll let you all know how things went down when I get back.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
well triton and I went to La Cygne today. weather was suppose to be half way decent. lol well mamas was wrong!!! had 20 to 30 mph winds gust that where pretty steady and white caping. we pulled up and the parking lot was full im thinking oh great a tourny. well there was 2 tournys going on backlashers and another. we started at the bluff wall where we took our number in line lol. but luckly the guys in front of us werent catching fish so we had our shot. i was throwing a rick clunn lucky strike jerkbait and was catching a couple and had a couple on a shaky head and even managed to get one on a crankbait. triton was having a hard time getting one to bite so we ran to a shollow flat by the outlet and fished with 5 other boats and still nothing for him. he said man i think they are restricted from the marina lets go there. made a good point so we go there and still strugling to get the skunk out of the boat. we went to the other side of the point and i got a couple on a jerkbait and shaky head when triton tied on a pointer and got one in his first couple cast. tables turned and i couldnt by a bite. we both started catching them and wanted to get off the water before all the boats came in for weight in would of added and hour or two to our day and the wind was cutting the skin as it blew across the face. but all in all a decent day for the chanllenges that we had.
pbrussell reply :
Fished for roughly four hours on critzer today. The water temps ranged from 42-47.
Things were pretty slow, and I couldn't really get any pattern dialed in. In fact, I only had one bite all day on a spinnerbait.
The cold wind from the north didn't make things any better.
The one fish I did catch was a pretty nice one though at least. I didn't take any measurements or weight, but I did get some pictures snapped.
She had a pretty big fish tail sticking out of her gullet that I tried to get a picture of, but it was a little dark. You can kind of make it out in the second picture.
At any rate, it was better than getting skunked I guess.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/17/2013 at 6:02 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:well triton and I went to La Cygne today. weather was suppose to be half way decent. lol well mamas was wrong!!! had 20 to 30 mph winds gust that where pretty steady and white caping. we pulled up and the parking lot was full im thinking oh great a tourny. well there was 2 tournys going on backlashers and another. we started at the bluff wall where we took our number in line lol. but luckly the guys in front of us werent catching fish so we had our shot. i was throwing a rick clunn lucky strike jerkbait and was catching a couple and had a couple on a shaky head and even managed to get one on a crankbait. triton was having a hard time getting one to bite so we ran to a shollow flat by the outlet and fished with 5 other boats and still nothing for him. he said man i think they are restricted from the marina lets go there. made a good point so we go there and still strugling to get the skunk out of the boat. we went to the other side of the point and i got a couple on a jerkbait and shaky head when triton tied on a pointer and got one in his first couple cast. tables turned and i couldnt by a bite. we both started catching them and wanted to get off the water before all the boats came in for weight in would of added and hour or two to our day and the wind was cutting the skin as it blew across the face. but all in all a decent day for the chanllenges that we had.
On 3/17/2013 at 6:02 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:well triton and I went to La Cygne today. weather was suppose to be half way decent. lol well mamas was wrong!!! had 20 to 30 mph winds gust that where pretty steady and white caping. we pulled up and the parking lot was full im thinking oh great a tourny. well there was 2 tournys going on backlashers and another. we started at the bluff wall where we took our number in line lol. but luckly the guys in front of us werent catching fish so we had our shot. i was throwing a rick clunn lucky strike jerkbait and was catching a couple and had a couple on a shaky head and even managed to get one on a crankbait. triton was having a hard time getting one to bite so we ran to a shollow flat by the outlet and fished with 5 other boats and still nothing for him. he said man i think they are restricted from the marina lets go there. made a good point so we go there and still strugling to get the skunk out of the boat. we went to the other side of the point and i got a couple on a jerkbait and shaky head when triton tied on a pointer and got one in his first couple cast. tables turned and i couldnt by a bite. we both started catching them and wanted to get off the water before all the boats came in for weight in would of added and hour or two to our day and the wind was cutting the skin as it blew across the face. but all in all a decent day for the chanllenges that we had.
On 3/17/2013 at 9:27 AM, pbrussell said:Fished for roughly four hours on critzer today. The water temps ranged from 42-47.
Things were pretty slow, and I couldn't really get any pattern dialed in. In fact, I only had one bite all day on a spinnerbait.
The cold wind from the north didn't make things any better.
The one fish I did catch was a pretty nice one though at least. I didn't take any measurements or weight, but I did get some pictures snapped.
She had a pretty big fish tail sticking out of her gullet that I tried to get a picture of, but it was a little dark. You can kind of make it out in the second picture.
At any rate, it was better than getting skunked I guess.
On 3/17/2013 at 6:02 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:well triton and I went to La Cygne today. weather was suppose to be half way decent. lol well mamas was wrong!!! had 20 to 30 mph winds gust that where pretty steady and white caping. we pulled up and the parking lot was full im thinking oh great a tourny. well there was 2 tournys going on backlashers and another. we started at the bluff wall where we took our number in line lol. but luckly the guys in front of us werent catching fish so we had our shot. i was throwing a rick clunn lucky strike jerkbait and was catching a couple and had a couple on a shaky head and even managed to get one on a crankbait. triton was having a hard time getting one to bite so we ran to a shollow flat by the outlet and fished with 5 other boats and still nothing for him. he said man i think they are restricted from the marina lets go there. made a good point so we go there and still strugling to get the skunk out of the boat. we went to the other side of the point and i got a couple on a jerkbait and shaky head when triton tied on a pointer and got one in his first couple cast. tables turned and i couldnt by a bite. we both started catching them and wanted to get off the water before all the boats came in for weight in would of added and hour or two to our day and the wind was cutting the skin as it blew across the face. but all in all a decent day for the chanllenges that we had.
You guys get any good ones?
On 3/17/2013 at 9:27 AM, pbrussell said:Fished for roughly four hours on critzer today. The water temps ranged from 42-47.
Things were pretty slow, and I couldn't really get any pattern dialed in. In fact, I only had one bite all day on a spinnerbait.
The cold wind from the north didn't make things any better.
The one fish I did catch was a pretty nice one though at least. I didn't take any measurements or weight, but I did get some pictures snapped.
She had a pretty big fish tail sticking out of her gullet that I tried to get a picture of, but it was a little dark. You can kind of make it out in the second picture.
At any rate, it was better than getting skunked I guess.
At least you got one good one. That first picture reminds me why I haven't been back there though. I'm sure I'll still go back at least once this year with them sampling fish almost to 9 pounds out of there. I doubt I'd ever manage to get it out of all those trees but I'm willing to try
pbrussell reply :
Yeah Clayton, it's pretty gnarly. I'd like to think I'll make it back out there at some point this season, but I doubt it'll be anytime soon. I'd like to get on Lacygne while the gettin's still good. After a trip or two there, I'll probably starting trying to figure out perry again and hitting up melvern some.
And shhh, but I have a feeling a big fish is coming out of mound city lake this year and I'm gonna be the one to do it.
bassinKS reply :
Im on spring break right now and plan on going out a couple times this week. I havent decided where I want to go but I know I will be fishing lol. I have a love hate relationship with crytzer I love it because of the big fish I have caught out of there and for some reason I like the fight of getting them out of the trees. I hate it because I have gotten my boat wedged inbetween trees multiple times lol thank god for aluminum boats!
any chance anyone has hit miami lately ive been thinking of going down there sometime this week I always seem to do really well out there.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/17/2013 at 3:27 PM, bassinKS said:Im on spring break right now and plan on going out a couple times this week. I havent decided where I want to go but I know I will be fishing lol. I have a love hate relationship with crytzer I love it because of the big fish I have caught out of there and for some reason I like the fight of getting them out of the trees. I hate it because I have gotten my boat wedged inbetween trees multiple times lol thank god for aluminum boats!
any chance anyone has hit miami lately ive been thinking of going down there sometime this week I always seem to do really well out there.
Never had much success at Miami this early in the year, seems like it really starts to fire up around mid to late April. When I've gone early in the year the numbers are down and most noticeably the average size goes way down for some reason.
What do you normally catch your big fish on at Critzer? A guy at work swears by a jig down there but I haven't been down there since my first time to find out for myself.
Wachati reply :
Thought some people would like to read this. Hope the link works.
http://www.kansascity.com/2013/03/16/4124185/2013-fishing-outlook-for-missouri.html
bassinKS reply :
On 3/17/2013 at 7:19 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Never had much success at Miami this early in the year, seems like it really starts to fire up around mid to late April. When I've gone early in the year the numbers are down and most noticeably the average size goes way down for some reason.
What do you normally catch your big fish on at Critzer? A guy at work swears by a jig down there but I haven't been down there since my first time to find out for myself.
I usually catch quite a few on a jig, a texas rigged brush hog in green pumpkin, and beaver style baits. My biggest fish came off of the row of trees right next to the ramp.
pbrussell reply :
How big was your biggest?
Once again, keep it on the shh but I've absolutely slayed them out at critzer on scrounger jigs with grubs as trailers.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Ive never had the pleasure of fishing it. TAKING NOTES DILIGENTLY!
inunishi reply :
My new Monster boat. Now just need time.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Looks good.
inunishi reply :
the canoe is wider than my luggage rack. When I first put it up their I through it off the Jeep.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I upgraded my 48" Bars on my Yakima rack to 66" to accommodate 2 yaks side by side. Admit car looks a tad funny, but holds both my kayaks great.
pbrussell reply :
So, spring has started but it really hasn't. I don't like this weather right now. They're predicting a big snow storm this weekend...
sheesh.
retro basser reply :
Sucks dont it? I'm trying to convince myself it doesnt matter if its still winter since I cant get free to get the boat out but it doesnt seem to do much good.
At least were getting precip.
Bluebasser86 reply :
So where was everybody at for the big trout tourny today??? Jon, his son Christopher, and I were out at Lake Shawnee for the "warmer" hours of the day. Actually it was 27 when we got to the ramp at 9 and it was 28 when we left at 2:30. They were in the same spots they were last week and in good numbers but we didn't get as many big ones as last week. I did break my PB again, this time with a 6.70 pound monster.
We had one spot that was just loaded with whites that were all over a jerkbait almost every cast. They weren't real big and didn't fight like they normally would in the 42 degree water but they were still pretty fun to be catching them that fast. We caught a bunch of whites and trout both and Jon even had a bluegill on his Ned rig. A Little Cleo was best but we also caught trout on small cranks and a Ned rig. Christopher pretty much focused on the trout all day and caught his share of them too.
Hi Salenity reply :
I've been in the water not on it!
Co-Co Key baby!!!
sizzlefry reply :
I would have been there but my boater is allergic to cold I still think I would rather be at the co co key turny lol. 
bassinKS reply :
On 3/18/2013 at 4:10 AM, pbrussell said:How big was your biggest?
Once again, keep it on the shh but I've absolutely slayed them out at critzer on scrounger jigs with grubs as trailers.
my biggest from out there was 6lbs 12oz the pic of it was on my old phone and when I switched to my iphone I lost the picture or I would post pictures.
I have tried to keep that little lake on the down low dont tell many people about it but my very closest fishing buddies and my dad lol but now its on here so its pretty public it is kinda tricky to get to though and if you dont have a boat you are very limited to where you can fish and even if you do have a boat you better be willing to hit quite a few trees almost no need to fire up the big motor either I only use it to put it back on the trailer.
inunishi reply :
SatMar 30
59°
48°
Cloudy
CHANCE OF RAIN:
10%
WIND:
SE at 9 mph
SunMar 31
63°
42°
Partly Cloudy
CHANCE OF RAIN:
20%
WIND:
WNW at 10 mph
Bluebasser86 reply :
Supposed to be 56 this Thursday, anyone up for that Lake Shawnee trout tourny??
bassinKS reply :
Just FYI for you guys in the KC area, I was home for spring break and noticed that there is an Academy Sports going up next to the oak park mall. Figured i would let you guys know if you havent heard about it yet because i know their H2O baits are awesome and alot of people swear by them.
sizzlefry reply :
probably better off at wyco for number of people we would be in at wyco its just to much money to drive to lake shawnee buy boat permit fishing permit and trout permit plus gas so if you can do wyco me and chris are in on it and I bet selenity would join.
On 3/26/2013 at 11:30 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Supposed to be 56 this Thursday, anyone up for that Lake Shawnee trout tourny??
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 2:32 AM, bassinKS said:Just FYI for you guys in the KC area, I was home for spring break and noticed that there is an Academy Sports going up next to the oak park mall. Figured i would let you guys know if you havent heard about it yet because i know their H2O baits are awesome and alot of people swear by them.
are you sure cus that would be sweet!
RJ986 reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 3:56 AM, kanasbassfisher08 said:are you sure cus that would be sweet!
Here's an link about it from Dec 19, 2012:
http://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2012/12/19/olathe-scores-academy-sports.html
bassinKS reply :
Ya, I was just back home from K-State for spring break and had to go get new shoes and I saw it, i was pretty excited to see it so when I go home to visit my parents I have another place to take my money. It goes on the list with Rogers, Bass pro, Cabelas, and DSG....its not good for me to have those so close when I visit home.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 3:32 AM, sizzlefry said:probably better off at wyco for number of people we would be in at wyco its just to much money to drive to lake shawnee buy boat permit fishing permit and trout permit plus gas so if you can do wyco me and chris are in on it and I bet selenity would join.
All you need at Lake Shawnee is a state trout permit which is only $12.50. Jon and I don't have money to both buy Wyco permits, it will cost way less in gas to drive to Lake Shawnee than the permits for Wyco will for us, plus the trout are a lot bigger at Lake Shawnee
Hi Salenity reply :
I seriously doubt I can go.
Workin
sizzlefry reply :
what about boat permits
On 3/27/2013 at 7:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:All you need at Lake Shawnee is a state trout permit which is only $12.50. Jon and I don't have money to both buy Wyco permits, it will cost way less in gas to drive to Lake Shawnee than the permits for Wyco will for us, plus the trout are a lot bigger at Lake Shawnee
sizzlefry reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 7:23 AM, Bluebasser86 said:All you need at Lake Shawnee is a state trout permit which is only $12.50. Jon and I don't have money to both buy Wyco permits, it will cost way less in gas to drive to Lake Shawnee than the permits for Wyco will for us, plus the trout are a lot bigger at Lake Shawnee
how much are they
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/27/2013 at 8:15 AM, sizzlefry said:what about boat permits
There isn't any boat permit, it's just like if you go to a state lake, it's free to launch and no lake or boat fee and no ramp fee. All you need is a trout permit and you only need that if you're going to fish for/keep trout. It's a state trout permit which is 12.50 a person for a year. That lets you fish any state run lake with trout and keep the trout you catch. Lake Henry at Clinton state park is the only other close state run body of water I know of that this applies to but they stock much smaller trout. The state record has been broken 5 times in the last 2 years at Lake Shawnee, all 5 of them were over 10 pounds and the largest one was over 15 pounds, that's why I make the drive out there. Wyco stocks some nice ones but I've fished it for years and never caught anything even close to what I've caught from Lake Shawnee. We were just whacking the white bass out there last week on jerkbaits too so I'm hoping they'll keep playing this week also because they were a lot of fun too and a whole lot less slimy than trout.
Bluebasser86 reply :
John and I went to Lake Shawnee today. Started really slow, Hit the spots we've done well at the last few trips and had 2 dink trout to show for it. Decided to try a new area and I switched to a small, homemade trout jig under a bobber and we were in business. Caught several trout, including my biggest of the day,
a couple bluegills, and then the screen on the depthfinder blew up with fish. I was pretty confident what it was after last week and a couple cast with jerkbaits and power minnows confirmed we were on a massive school of whites. We caught whites until we got tired of catching them. The trout kept eating the jigs under the bobber and so did the bluegills and a couple bass too. John got his biggest trout of the day on our second pass down the bank with a jig under a bobber.
Caught a ton of trout and whites, quite a few bluegills, and 4 or 5 bass. Small jigs caught a majority of the trout, bass, and bluegills. Most of the whites ate jerkbaits. Jon caught 3 trout and a bass on a Luck E Strike wart hog crank too. Great weather and pretty good fishing all day made it a really nice day.
inunishi reply :
Feel the hate of a fat man that had to work today and tomorrow.
retro basser reply :
Nice day. How were the water temps?
I bet today is a WINNER. I sure wish i could get out there.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 3/29/2013 at 11:00 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Caught a ton of trout and whites, quite a few bluegills, and 4 or 5 bass. Small jigs caught a majority of the trout, bass, and bluegills. Most of the whites ate jerkbaits. Jon caught 3 trout and a bass on a Luck E Strike wart hog crank too. Great weather and pretty good fishing all day made it a really nice day.
Finally starting to feel like spring.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/29/2013 at 9:26 PM, retro basser said:Nice day. How were the water temps?
I bet today is a WINNER. I sure wish i could get out there.
By the end of the day the water temps were 45 degrees by the dam, all the way up from 41.5 in the morning. We saw temps all the way up to 47 by a small waterfall. We're getting there.
KansasBASS9948 reply :
On 3/29/2013 at 10:17 PM, Bluebasser86 said:By the end of the day the water temps were 45 degrees by the dam, all the way up from 41.5 in the morning. We saw temps all the way up to 47 by a small waterfall. We're getting there.
Most of the fish I've caught are chock full of eggs....this warm rain we are expecting tomorrow should put us right around that 50 degree mark. I thought these dang fish were never going to move up shallow. Heck last March I've got a picture of me catching a smallie off a bed on the 15th! I was also wearing shorts and a tshirt.....
Hi Salenity reply :
Me and Peter are going to Lacyne tomorrow
I hope everyone will come and say hi!
Bluebasser86 reply :
My boat is loaded down with stuff right now. Trying to get as much stuff ready as possible to head to the White River and Bull Shoals Sunday night. Of course as nice as it's supposed to be and with it being the weekend I could probably just hop from boat to boat at La Cygne tomorrow
Quillback reply :
On 3/30/2013 at 3:49 PM, Bluebasser86 said:My boat is loaded down with stuff right now. Trying to get as much stuff ready as possible to head to the White River and Bull Shoals Sunday night. Of course as nice as it's supposed to be and with it being the weekend I could probably just hop from boat to boat at La Cygne tomorrow
Cool, I'd be interested hear how you do on Bull.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/30/2013 at 11:25 PM, Quillback said:Cool, I'd be interested hear how you do on Bull.
It will be interesting. I don't really know the lake at all other than what I've read about it and what little I've learned about it from my two half days I've fished it. I know I had a lot of fun catching fish both times so hopefully we'll do the same this time. We'll be fishing around the dam and won't be able to run far with my little boat but I'm sure we'll figure something out.
pbrussell reply :
My brother and I decided to bang the banks this morning on account of all the nasty weather. Didn't really feel like getting the boat out. The big girls came out to play and wanted spinnerbaits, so that's what we gave them. My brother caught his pb, and I couldn't be happier for him. Here's some pics of our big fish.
We happen to look a little alike. He's the one with the bigger fish/ brown hat.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 3/31/2013 at 4:22 AM, pbrussell said:My brother and I decided to bang the banks this morning on account of all the nasty weather. Didn't really feel like getting the boat out. The big girls came out to play and wanted spinnerbaits, so that's what we gave them. My brother caught his pb, and I couldn't be happier for him. Here's some pics of our big fish.
We happen to look a little alike. He's the one with the bigger fish/ brown hat.
Very well done. Would have loved to get out today. Days like today are some of my best days in the spring it seems like.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I went out Thursday to Butler SFL and got a single chunk. Wind was WAY more than advertised. Without anchor, my little yak was blew around.
Quillback reply :
On 3/31/2013 at 4:22 AM, pbrussell said:My brother and I decided to bang the banks this morning on account of all the nasty weather. Didn't really feel like getting the boat out. The big girls came out to play and wanted spinnerbaits, so that's what we gave them. My brother caught his pb, and I couldn't be happier for him. Here's some pics of our big fish.
We happen to look a little alike. He's the one with the bigger fish/ brown hat.
Congrats to your bro! I read on another board that there was a spinner bait bite on Table Rock today, I'm going to it beaver tomorrow and looks like I'll have to pack a spinner bait or three.
Quillback reply :
On 3/31/2013 at 2:36 AM, Bluebasser86 said:It will be interesting. I don't really know the lake at all other than what I've read about it and what little I've learned about it from my two half days I've fished it. I know I had a lot of fun catching fish both times so hopefully we'll do the same this time. We'll be fishing around the dam and won't be able to run far with my little boat but I'm sure we'll figure something out.
I wish I could give some advice but I haven't fished it myself. Saw a fishing show the other day, they were fishing Bull in the spring and catching quite a few smallies, for the life of me I can't remember who it was fishing, (I watch too many fishing shows), but it looked like fun. I'm sure you guys will do well.
retro basser reply :
Went out to DGCO Friday and fished for a few hours in the afternoon. You could pick little ones off the rocks by the dam but he bite was slow for that lake. I did switch over to a white spinnerbait after awhile because of the clouds and had 3 good strikes off of it that I realized too late. I was pretty rusty from the winter off and fishing that slow with slack line alot made it tough. Of course it's always the biggest ones that get away but I found myself wondering more than usual what kind of bass would be bold enough to chase something this early in the year. Water was 49-52
I hit Lonestar Sunday afternoon. Totally different day, clear skies and more wind. Spinnerbait was useless. I fiddled around with alot of stuff but a smaller jerkbait around the docks was the best i found. Warmer water out there, 50-55.
bkohlman reply :
It has been a whirlwind week and a half with the birth of my son, but my wife said "Go fishing on Saturday, my girl friends are coming over." So....where should I go? (within a reasonable drive from Wichita area)
WOOO!
Doc-Drew reply :
I took the fiancee out to Shawnee to try to catch some trout on Sunday. Ended up only catching 3 trout but caught a ton of whites on jerkbaits, a few small bass, and snagged a few giant gizzard shad with a ned rig. Has anyone been out to Melvern recently? I am just curious what the water temp is.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Bkohlman. There is a Club Tourney on at Butler SFL this weekend. Steer clear. I would say McPherson, or Cowley. Both have great water levels right now.
On 4/2/2013 at 9:05 AM, bkohlman said:It has been a whirlwind week and a half with the birth of my son, but my wife said "Go fishing on Saturday, my girl friends are coming over." So....where should I go? (within a reasonable drive from Wichita area)
WOOO!
cbass12 reply :
On 4/2/2013 at 11:05 AM, CCC-Drew said:I took the fiancee out to Shawnee to try to catch some trout on Sunday. Ended up only catching 3 trout but caught a ton of whites on jerkbaits, a few small bass, and snagged a few giant gizzard shad with a ned rig. Has anyone been out to Melvern recently? I am just curious what the water temp is.
Corps of Engineers website says today that the temp is 43. I was thinking about going there Friday but I'm not sure the temp will rise much between now and then. I sure wish they would hurry up and get the hot water back on at Coffey County.
Doc-Drew reply :
If you get out there Friday be sure to post what the temp is. I really want to get out there but would rather the water be about 50ish.
On 4/2/2013 at 9:05 AM, bkohlman said:It has been a whirlwind week and a half with the birth of my son, but my wife said "Go fishing on Saturday, my girl friends are coming over." So....where should I go? (within a reasonable drive from Wichita area)
WOOO!
Meant to say this earlier but congrats on your having a son. And congrats on getting a day off to relax.
bkohlman reply :
McPherson was on my radar, now I think it is the front runner. It will be my 1st time there, so are there any tips you all could give?
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 12:08 AM, bkohlman said:McPherson was on my radar, now I think it is the front runner. It will be my 1st time there, so are there any tips you all could give?
Boat or shore fishing?
bkohlman reply :
Probably shore, but maybe a partner with a boat.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
From shore, your space is a bit limited. There are 4 jetties, and between one of them, and the west feeder is a big submerged tree. There are also some brush reachable from the left jettie at the ramp. Jettie to the right of the ramp has a steep drop 7-8' off the point. Later in the day the shallow flats to the left of the left boatramp jettie will warm. Big bay to the right of tge ramp is a huge flat. Around 8-10' deep. Definately work the wood/brush. The right jettie by the ramp, about halfway on right side of it are few rocks. That rocky bottom extends out 15-20'.
Hope this helps!!
cbass12 reply :
On 4/2/2013 at 11:09 PM, CCC-Drew said:If you get out there Friday be sure to post what the temp is. I really want to get out there but would rather the water be about 50ish.
Will do. Still trying to decide between melvern, coffey county (hot water needed), or olathe lake. I'm hoping the warm temps the next couple days will warm the lakes a few degrees.
Doc-Drew reply :
On 4/3/2013 at 9:50 PM, cbass12 said:Will do. Still trying to decide between melvern, coffey county (hot water needed), or olathe lake. I'm hoping the warm temps the next couple days will warm the lakes a few degrees.
I'm kind of stuck in a situation like you cbass. Melvern, Shawnee for trout, La Cygne, or some smaller lake that may be warmer than others. Any one have any suggestions?
sizzlefry reply :
usually cant go wrong at Shawnee for trout clayton does well out there. I have been hitting my pond and no bites yet had a huge one follow my jerk bait though.On 4/4/2013 at 12:01 AM, CCC-Drew said:I'm kind of stuck in a situation like you cbass. Melvern, Shawnee for trout, La Cygne, or some smaller lake that may be warmer than others. Any one have any suggestions?
Wachati reply :
I'm interested to see what the temps are at Pleasanton east and west. Lacygne was horrible last week. Probably 50 boats and no one was catching anything. The stacks weren't producing and the water temps were warmer in the river than right by the outlet.
kanasbassfisher08 reply :
i was wondering the same myself im assuming cold and slow but big p is probably warmer and better chance cus its deeper maybe in a couple weeks maybe the next week or two with the lows coming up will help alot
On 4/4/2013 at 5:14 AM, Wachati said:I'm interested to see what the temps are at Pleasanton east and west. Lacygne was horrible last week. Probably 50 boats and no one was catching anything. The stacks weren't producing and the water temps were warmer in the river than right by the outlet.
pbrussell reply :
20-30 mph winds tomorrow. Sheesh... another weekend I can't take out the boat.
Ugh.
cbass12 reply :
On 4/4/2013 at 12:01 AM, CCC-Drew said:I'm kind of stuck in a situation like you cbass. Melvern, Shawnee for trout, La Cygne, or some smaller lake that may be warmer than others. Any one have any suggestions?
Didn't make it out today, but took the boat out to Hillsdale last night just to get the motor running. Casted jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits around the dam for a while without any luck. We found water as warm as 51 degrees.
sizzlefry reply :
theres a nice bass boat for sale at my neighbors house I don't know how much but I think its a Cajun has 200 hp motor (looks clean) and newer foot controlled trolling motor. its an older boat red and gold with flake but it looks really good and clean trailer looks awesome. I live in Shawnee pm me if your interested and I will give you my address. my commission is 20% lol
Hi Salenity reply :
I used to have a 20.5' Cajun with a 200 venom.
I'd be curious to know what they want for it.
bkohlman reply :
Here is what is on my lines for tomorrow at McPherson, wish me luck!
1.5 KVD Squarebill Sexy Sunfish
Ned Rig Baby Bass
Weightless Zinker Z Peanut Butter & Jelly
War Eagle Sexy Mouse Spinner Bait
Custom Made Black and Blue Chatter Bait
sizzlefry reply :
On 4/6/2013 at 5:16 AM, Hi Salenity said:I used to have a 20.5' Cajun with a 200 venom.
I'd be curious to know what they want for it.
not sure theres a number on to call. sounds like the same boat though
sizzlefry reply :
the boat has a Yamaha pro v 200 and there asking 5500
Mr_Scrogg reply :
On 4/6/2013 at 5:48 AM, bkohlman said:Here is what is on my lines for tomorrow at McPherson, wish me luck!
1.5 KVD Squarebill Sexy Sunfish
Ned Rig Baby Bass
Weightless Zinker Z Peanut Butter & Jelly
War Eagle Sexy Mouse Spinner Bait
Custom Made Black and Blue Chatter Bait
Slow roll that spinnerbait around the wood. I picked up 10 this morning on a Booyah
Bluebasser86 reply :
Glad you guys have been getting out while I've been gone. I hope this post doesn't hurt anyone's feelings Jon and I just got back from our 5 days of White River/Bull Shoals/Beaver Lake fishing trip and I really have no idea where to start. We left around midnight Sunday night and got to the campsite on the river right as it was getting light out. We tossed up the tent and set up our gear real quick and staggered down to the river to toss a jerkbait at some trout. We both hooked up quickly and loss a couple fish apiece (an extremely common happening while we were trout fishing unfortunately). I finally got one to stick and after we landed it we realized we didn't have the camera so no picture of that one other than on my crappy phone. We went and got the camera and put our waders on and one of my first casts upstream a shallow shoal got popped by my first good brown of the trip.
They started generating so we decided to head to White Hole with the boat. There was fish everywhere and almost every cast we were getting follows, some of them were monsters but just couldn't get any commitment. I caught a couple more and then Jon got his only brown of the trip on a Vision 110.
When the sun got up high they stopped even chasing so we hopped to the lake. Wow the water was clear! We could see rocks in 25' of water and we were getting lots of follows on jerkbaits but very few actually eating. We tried several areas and baits with almost nothing to show for it when I decided to try a bait I'd heard about from another forum from guys who fish the lake a lot, a Keitech Swing Impact. If you don't have any, get some. I was fishing the 4" in electric shad and finally started getting thumped and hooking up with all 3 species of bass. Caught one of the biggest Spots I've ever caught at 3 1/2 pounds.
Of course I caught a big drum I thought was a big walleye They were smacking the Impact so I picked up an A-rig. First cast I got hit so hard I almost fell off the front deck when I set the hook. One of my bigger smallies of the trip actually got 2 of the baits in it's mouth.
Caught several more on the rig when a fish knocked slack in my line and I caught a 4.5lb largemouth, our biggest from Bull.
Got really tough from there with only a few more fish caught and very few bites. We went back to the river that night but nothing of any size wanted to play like we thought they would.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Day 2 we were greeted with cold temps and even colder rain but good water was running the river behind our campsite so we dropped the boat in and started fishing. One of my first fish of the day was a very surprising bass from a little slack water area off the main river. He wasn't built like a river fish at all.
Shortly after that little guy I had a big flash of gold behind my bait. He missed 2 more times before finally connecting and giving me one heck of a fight during which I was sure he'd get back to the log jam he came out of but he never made it. 5.62 pounds and 23.5" long made him my new PB brown, the first of several PB's that would fall this week.
No more browns but Jon did find this gal sitting around the end of the boat ramp. She liked him so much she made the trip home with him
We tried to go back to Bull and hit a different part of the dam area. On the way we spotted a small bait shop we decided to stop and check if they had more Keitechs because I only had a bag and a half left. When we got out of the truck I glanced at the trolling motor, the prop was gone! Even worse, so was the shaft! The prop was in the bottom of the boat with about half the shaft. Somehow it had broke the shaft and landed in the boat as we were driving down the road. Thankfully we had Jon's trolling motor (also a 70lb Maxxum) in the bed of my truck just in case of such and emergency. So we played pit crew with the crappy truck tools I had and switched the motors out in the "intermittent" rains that fell for about 6 hours straight. It was tough with the clear water but we still managed a few on an A-rig and Keitech. We both caught a nice smallie.
I finally managed a couple walleye, the one in my left was my new PB at 4.01 pounds. Both of them ate a Keitech slow rolled along the bottom.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Day 3 started terrible. We couldn't buy a brown on the river, barely a rainbow either. Guides came out of the wood work and we were tired of weaving in between boats so we packed up camp and headed down lake in search of dirtier water. Well we found that and we found shad, but very few fish. I think in 3 hours we caught 3 fish, all solid and healthy but not what we were looking for. The decision was made to pack it in and head to Beaver early so maybe we could find a little something to go off of the next couple days. When we got to the ramp I actually caught a fish my first cast with an A-rig.
Normally a kiss of death but not this time, this time it was just the beginning. We fished around the marina point to where some gulls were diving and just started to wear them out! Spots and largemouth mainly were chowing down on an A-rig and Scatter rap.
While we were enjoying the mayhem I glanced across the lake and saw what looked like boat wakes with shad flying all over. We hurried over and fired casts at the area and Jon hooked up! It was a long and careful fight because he had very light hooks but we managed to get her landed. 14.57 pounds is what his first ever striper and new PB went.
One of my next cast after the Stripers left resulted in the biggest largemouth of the trip at 6.30 pounds and 21.5" long.
Birds started diving behind us and I managed to get a striper to eat my Keitech, my first one ever and my new PB by default.
And we finished out the day with some super fat white bass.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Day 4 started off quickly with my first smallmouth at Beaver
and then another 5 pound largemouth knocked slack in my line at the same spot I got the 6.3 the day before.
It got tough from there though. At one point we'd probably gone 4 hours without a fish. We finally decided to try an area that we'd seen birds diving on earlier but we hadn't caught anything. Glad we did as I got a couple more stripers on an A-rig.
and Jon got a nice smallmouth on a jerkbait.
Jon spotted a red fox on the rocks in a nearby pocket. As we trolled closer we noticed a couple small animals running around near her, she had 3 little kits that came out and played while we watched and I took pictures and even a short video.
We fished a nearby island where we'd seen birds diving by. Didn't get anything at first but as we trolled down the bank I noticed a couple boils behind the boat near the surface. We both fired cast and Jon hooked up with a hard pulling fish on his jerkbait. It was a great fight with the fish burning off drag before I netted her. His hybrid sent the scale to 6.85 pounds and PB number 5 fell.
I finished off the day by catching one of the fattest spots I've ever seen.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Day 5 started bad. I lost my A-rig I'd been catching my fish on to a tomato cage? I got it up once but lost my grip and it sank and couldn't get it back but I did catch a nice bucket full of cement with a short piece of 2X4 sticking out with an eye bolt. Hooked to that was about 30 feet of barbed wire, which was hooked to another bucket just like the first. No idea why somebody would put that crap in the lake but it cost me my A-rig I did get somebody else's A-rig off the wire but it wasn't nearly as nice as the one I was throwing. We ran to the same area we'd caught a couple stripers and Jon got his wiper the day before. The striper guide boats packed in close made it pretty obvious something was going on. We started slow but once we got to the island I caught a couple smaller stripers and missed a couple more quickly. I was marking a ton of fish on the bottom so I fired a long cast and let it sink to the bottom. Not long after I started my retrieve it got hammered and I set into a very heavy fish that was giving me some huge head shakes. Suddenly my line went limp, I thought I'd lost it but as I cranked I started to feel weight again. I couldn't believe how fast that fish changed directions and came at the boat but it did and the fight continued. I was amazed at the combination of speed and power in the big fish and the adrenaline really started going when I got my first glimpse of her, she looked huge! I was worried because I was using pretty light jigheads and I could see at least one was already straightened out so I backed off and went easy on her and when the time felt right I eased her into the net . I had the shakes pretty bad but she registered 20.01 pounds and was 34" long.
We fished around the island some more and caught a couple more small stripers when they did what they do and disappeared. When we doubled back for a second pass Jon's rig got slammed by the boat and a fish scorched off some drag and hunkered down on the bottom. We both were sure it was another striper until we saw flashes of brown. Turned out to be a beautiful smallmouth that was 19.5" long and 4.51 pounds, Jon's new PB smallmouth.
We hit a couple more spots with little to show for it before we had to pack it in to hit the road home. We fished hard and had to work for the fish we caught this week but the quality more than made up for the occasional lack of activity. The only bad part about this week was I think we're both now hooked on striper fishing which is unfortunate since we have no lakes close by with stripers in them! If you've never been to any of these bodies of water I highly suggest you make the trip.
Quillback reply :
Great trip, thanks for the report and the pics! You thinking about moving to Arkansas? 
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/6/2013 at 7:35 PM, Quillback said:Great trip, thanks for the report and the pics! You thinking about moving to Arkansas?
Seriously thinking about retiring down there if retiring is such a thing by the time I'm ready to retire. I love the variety of the fish species and lakes. Plus it's a beautiful area around those lakes.
Quillback reply :
Yep it's a great area, lots of water within a hour or so, Beaver, Grand, Table Rock, and some smaller lakes. I live in Bella Vista, which is a town you should check out when you get to that point in life. We've got some community lakes that have some good bass populations, they get a lot of pressure but keep kicking out the bass. If you're down here again and have some time, let me know and we can get out and fish one of the community lakes.
Fishes in trees reply :
Finally got out Friday, April 5. Went to Indian Creek, north and west of Chillicothe. A cool day, and a little breezy, didn't matter, first trip of the year. Water was up several feet from the last time I was there (Nov. 2012) closer to "normal pool". Water temps varied from 49 to 51 degrees. 40 or 50 minutes into the trip I caught a keeper off the dam on a shad rap and a couple of casts later shook off another short fish.
I already know how to catch fish off of a dam on crank baits, so I went looking on other parts of the lake. No luck. Looked around several groups of trees, some ledges, open water humps, shallow flats, beaver dams etc. Couldn't get bit. In the end it didn't matter, I got to go fishing, ended up spending quite a bit of time driving around and looking at stuff with my depth finder.
I did get to play with some new and repurposed gear and that worked great, for the most part.
New Fenwick Aetos 7'4" MH rod is a great square bill rod. Wind up and heave, I get a little farther than I was getting before, more amazing is that standard length casts require much less effort than last year. Overall a great purchase.
I had a Falcon Lowrider Eakins Jig Special rod that I never could find a good use for. It just didn't handle 14 lb. fluorocarbon that well. Anyway, it seems to like 10 lb fluorocarbon. Paired with a new Shimano 50 E this seems like it will be a great finesse jig combo.
Over the winter, Cabelas had a US Reel Hibdon 800 SX on sale for $40. Slightly over a year ago these reels were "on sale" for $150 and then they were "on sale" for $120. I put some l7 lb mono on it and I mounted it on one of my spinner bait rods and threw half ounce spinnerbaits with it. The jury is still out on this reel. It is difficult to adjust. Different baits seemed to make a difference, the more wind resistant spinnerbaits, the harder it was to adjust. A heavy compact War Eagle was somewhat easier to cast. The reel seems "touchy", you'd make one great cast,, then have an over run. Backlashes happen frequently. The design of the reel makes backlashes easy to untangle, never took me more than a minute to untangle it and some of them went pretty deep. I thought I had found a bargain, but comparing it to my standard spinner bait reel (Calcutta 200 TEGT) it compared unfavorably. Yes, I know I am comparing a $40 reel to a $ 250+ reel, but I was hoping I had found a "bargain" I am going to fish with it a few more times before a final decision is reached, but I might have another catfish reel here. Anyway, it was good to finally get out on the water, maybe next time I will catch some fish rather than turning the day into an equipment testing session.
bkohlman reply :
Great time at McPherson!
Caught this new PB on a custom made Chatterbait Black/Blue
20.5" Chunk!
5lb 5 oz
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 3:44 AM, bkohlman said:Great time at McPherson!
Caught this new PB on a custom made Chatterbait Black/Blue
20.5" Chunk!
5lb 5 oz
Very good looking fish! Where'd you get that custom built chatterbait?
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Good looking fish, pull her off some brush?
bkohlman reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 4:27 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Very good looking fish! Where'd you get that custom built chatterbait?
That would be your chatterbait with some Megastrike scent!
On 4/7/2013 at 4:34 AM, Mr_Scrogg said:Good looking fish, pull her off some brush?
Pulled her from some reeds on the opposite shore from the fishing piers.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 4:57 AM, bkohlman said:That would be your chatterbait with some Megastrike scent!
Pulled her from some reeds on the opposite shore from the fishing piers.
Good deal. Glad it produced a good one for you. That black and blue chatterbait has been money for big fish for me since I started making them.
Joey Morrisey reply :
hey guys i been reading you post for the last month and i finely got around to making an account. what made me do this is that i saw you guys wanting to know about pleasanton lakes and was going to tell you that last week i went and with all the rain the east lake is really muddy and when the water was the muddiest water temperature hit 60 when the sun was out but it was mostly 52 to 56. we only caught 3 fish for the day and the one was a 9.8 wiper on a crank bait. i fish these lakes about every week besides when i have a golf tournament. i didnt get to go this weekend.but my brother going tomorrow
Joey Morrisey reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 5:52 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Good deal. Glad it produced a good one for you. That black and blue chatterbait has been money for big fish for me since I started making them.
what do you chatter baits look like if you mind showing because i just started using them and i dont know much about them?
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 11:24 AM, Joey Morrisey said:what do you chatter baits look like if you mind showing because i just started using them and i dont know much about them?
This is a just made one from this summer. The blade still needs to be bent up slightly before it's ready to be fished with.
You can kind of tell the angle it's bent at in this picture, which is actually a good fish from Pleasanton East Lake
bkohlman reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 11:49 AM, Bluebasser86 said:
This is a just made one from this summer. The blade still needs to be bent up slightly before it's ready to be fished with.
You can kind of tell the angle it's bent at in this picture, which is actually a good fish from Pleasanton East Lake
My big bass inhaled the chatterbait, had to use the pliers to get it out because she liked it so much.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 8:57 PM, bkohlman said:My big bass inhaled the chatterbait, had to use the pliers to get it out because she liked it so much.
They seem to do that a lot. This one is one of my biggest from last year that ate a zebra shad colored homemade chatterbait. You can see that the blade is about the only thing left sticking out of her mouth. Caught her at Bourban State Lake.
Joey Morrisey reply :
On 4/7/2013 at 10:39 PM, Bluebasser86 said:They seem to do that a lot. This one is one of my biggest from last year that ate a zebra shad colored homemade chatterbait. You can see that the blade is about the only thing left sticking out of her mouth. Caught her at Bourban State Lake.
those look good do you make the heads to or just the skirts? because i started making jigs this winter and i will have to try a chatter bait
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/8/2013 at 7:01 AM, Joey Morrisey said:those look good do you make the heads to or just the skirts? because i started making jigs this winter and i will have to try a chatter bait
I pour, paint, and tie all my chatterbaits and jigs. I use either a football head or finesse jig head for my chatterbaits. Seems like the 3/8 or 5/16 ounce sizes work the best.
Bluebasser86 reply :
The wife and I went to Douglas State Lake today for about two and a half hours to enjoy some of the nice weather. Didn't really matter what we fished, put about 40 bass, 2 crappie, and a bluegill in the boat. Caught fish on finesse jigs, shakyheads, warts, scatter raps, jerks, keitechs, grubs, and a spinnerbait. Area wasn't real important either. They were typical DCSL fish, biggest was maybe 12 inches but probably more like 10.5". Still a good time to get out and just tear them up like that. Always nice when the wife is just cranking them in too.
basshunter0731 reply :
Beaver, Bull Shoals, T-Rock, Northfork, Grand, all with in 3-4 hours..... thats where i hope to spend my retriement years.
Seriously thinking about retiring down there if retiring is such a thing by the time I'm ready to retire. I love the variety of the fish species and lakes. Plus it's a beautiful area around those lakes.
conorsixtakc reply :
After a ten minute fight on 12# mono and getting run around a submerged tree, I landed this tank of a wiper at SMP on Saturday. Successfully released her after the photo. Go figure I'd forget my scale down at LOZ and come back to KC and catch a personal best!
Bluebasser86 reply :
Nice wiper! What'd you catch her on?
conorsixtakc reply :
On 4/8/2013 at 11:07 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Nice wiper! What'd you catch her on?
Slow rolling a lipless crankbait that's now in dire need of a new front treble lol!
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I have NEVER caught a hybrid. :-( Heard they run like the dickens though
conorsixtakc reply :
On 4/8/2013 at 11:59 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:I have NEVER caught a hybrid. :-( Heard they run like the dickens though
They can be elusive, but definitely worth searching for. They'll tear your tackle up.
retro basser reply :
On 4/8/2013 at 7:35 AM, Bluebasser86 said:The wife and I went to Douglas State Lake today for about two and a half hours to enjoy some of the nice weather. Didn't really matter what we fished, put about 40 bass, 2 crappie, and a bluegill in the boat. Caught fish on finesse jigs, shakyheads, warts, scatter raps, jerks, keitechs, grubs, and a spinnerbait. Area wasn't real important either. They were typical DCSL fish, biggest was maybe 12 inches but probably more like 10.5". Still a good time to get out and just tear them up like that. Always nice when the wife is just cranking them in too.
Wow must have just missed ya. I took my daughter out around noon to try to get her first bass. I thought she had a dang good chance with a grub spinner but couldnt link up. I think she actually got a real strike cause she got pretty excited a couple times. They couldnt resist a jerkbait or a blue chrome crank. It was so easy it will probably set her expectations WAY too high for future endeavors but hey that's the point of that lake
sizzlefry reply :
anyone going out tomorrow and need a back seater let me know im in.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/9/2013 at 2:18 AM, retro basser said:Wow must have just missed ya. I took my daughter out around noon to try to get her first bass. I thought she had a dang good chance with a grub spinner but couldnt link up. I think she actually got a real strike cause she got pretty excited a couple times. They couldnt resist a jerkbait or a blue chrome crank. It was so easy it will probably set her expectations WAY too high for future endeavors but hey that's the point of that lake
Yeah we must have just missed you. I think we got out there around 2pm and fished until 4:30. My wife was just casting and slow reeling a 3" smoke/black/red flake grub on a pink 1/8oz jighead and couldn't hardly make a cast without getting a bite.
retro basser reply :
On 4/9/2013 at 7:38 AM, Bluebasser86 said:Yeah we must have just missed you. I think we got out there around 2pm and fished until 4:30. My wife was just casting and slow reeling a 3" smoke/black/red flake grub on a pink 1/8oz jighead and couldn't hardly make a cast without getting a bite.
Ahh that's crazy..we left right around 2. I had my girl on a 3'' Kalins smoke/fleck with a 1/4'' silver Colorado. Next time i'm gonna tell her to 'point at the fish that you want to catch' with the pole. She kept going back to 12 o'clock all day. I didn't want to push it too hard, she was having too much fun just casting the thing.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
I know what you mean, retro. My boy loves impeding "action" on whatever he throws. In the form if violently shaking the rod. Lol
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/8/2013 at 11:59 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:I have NEVER caught a hybrid. :-( Heard they run like the dickens though
Marion is supposed to have some monster wipers in it. Wolf Creek has a decent population of them. If you really wanted to catch one I'd go to Milford. Some days out there it's hard to catch anything else. Jefferey Energy Center lakes have a great population of them and they're small enough to fish with a kayak pretty easily.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Im wanting to fish JEC lakes for smallies this year. I might can get some then. Wolf Creek is off limits for me due to power boats only. Marion is fairly close to me. I might have to give it a try. Wellington City Lake suppose to have a good population too.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/9/2013 at 12:24 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Im wanting to fish JEC lakes for smallies this year. I might can get some then. Wolf Creek is off limits for me due to power boats only. Marion is fairly close to me. I might have to give it a try. Wellington City Lake suppose to have a good population too.
My dad and I fished JEC lakes a lot when I was a kid, caught lots of fish out there, but we mainly walleye fished out there because that's what my dad likes to fish for. There's lots of smallies but they average pretty small in our experiences with them. Last time we were on them we got on a really good topwater bite for the wipers, put about 2 dozen of them in the boat on Super Spook Jr's, that was a good time.
Marion has an excellent rating for wipers and Cheney has a good rating so you might check both of those out. Right now is a great time to catch wipers while the shad are schooled up.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Cheney, from what Ive heard, needs to be mowed. LOL Its way way down. Should concentrate everything more.
Basically look for shad busting, then go and toss some imitation shad lures Im assuming.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/9/2013 at 2:19 PM, Mr_Scrogg said:Cheney, from what Ive heard, needs to be mowed. LOL Its way way down. Should concentrate everything more.
Basically look for shad busting, then go and toss some imitation shad lures Im assuming.
Look for shad getting rushed or birds are two of the most sure fire ways. I like covering shallow flats with a rattle trap also. They don't get on them all the time but when they're up on the flats they're only there for one reason.
Mr_Scrogg reply :
Nice. From what little research I can do at work, Wellington City Lake is closed off to boating due to ramps being unusable. Im gonna call to see if I can launch my yak. Reports of some good size Hybrids there.
Wachati reply :
Well the bass have finally starting to bite in my pond. Went up there about 7:15 last night, caught one on a spinner as soon as it hit the water and the rest I caught on a pit boss running it top water. Everyone I know that fishes ponds, the bite really started popping this weekend. Time to hit the honey holes.. I am hoping to take the new boat out Wednesday for a test drive if I get rained out working. Parts were suppose to be in yesterday so they should have her done today. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it just needs the high pressure fuel pump and not the low pressure one as well. The boat was sitting in storage for 7 years, so the fuel gummed up the fuel pumps. Also my neighbor is selling his 2003 skeeter zx250, 21 foot, 101lb 36 volt minn Kota, lowrance electronics, jack plate, Yamaha 250, so if you know anyone looking hes got a good price on it.
sizzlefry reply :
so far caught 13 bass at my pond one at 3.5 and one at 3 I also hooked into something huge at least 10 pounds cause it broke my 12 pound braided line so I came home to take a break and I will fill you in on the second half later im taking chris soon. oh and its a ten to twelve acre pond need a boat to fish it.
conorsixtakc reply :
Anybody here know Chris's username? We talked for a while at Bass Pro in Olathe but he forgot to give me his username
Hi Salenity reply :
Chris Schauer
Bluebasser86 reply :
Fished Gardner from 9-12 today after I got off work. Caught a ton of fish, probably 30-40, I doubt one of them would have gone 15" and most didn't even go 10". Jerkbaits, rattle traps, and a shallow running crankbait were about all I needed. Water was pretty stained, more than I would have guessed it would be. 56 at the dam, 53.5 at the south end. Best water temp seemed to be around 54 for some reason, about 2/3 of the way down the lake. Probably was more the water color than the temp.
sizzlefry reply :
so the second half went well also not as many fish caught but some quality ones and one walleye I think someone threw in there last year but I did catch this five pounder which is a pond best I think the expression on my face says it all
conorsixtakc reply :
Thanks! @Hi Salenity
Chris S reply :
On 4/10/2013 at 7:55 AM, sizzlefry said:so the second half went well also not as many fish caught but some quality ones and one walleye I think someone threw in there last year but I did catch this five pounder which is a pond best
Grab it dont let it get away is all I heard for 60 seconds when he set the hook and brought it to the boat! Once I grabbed it I looked at him and said you can breath now
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 4/11/2013 at 12:54 AM, Chris Schauer said:Grab it dont let it get away is all I heard for 60 seconds when he set the hook and brought it to the boat! Once I grabbed it I looked at him and said you can breath now
He even looks like he was exhaling real big in that one picture.
Chris S reply :
On 4/11/2013 at 7:33 AM, Bluebasser86 said:He even looks like he was exhaling real big in that one picture.
The second pic does say it all!!
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